- Directly from the original or most authoritative source; from someone with firsthand knowledge.
Explanation
Origin
- This idiom comes from the world of horse racing.
- Tips on which horse is likely to win are most reliable if they come from someone closest to the horse, such as the jockey, trainer, or stable hand – figuratively, the horse itself would be the ultimate source.
- People would check a horse's teeth to verify its age and health (hence getting information from the horse's mouth).
- It emphasizes the reliability and directness of the information.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- The real skinny (The true information)
- The inside scoop
- Word up (AAVE influence, signifies agreement or confirmation of truth, though less about the source)
- Heard it from the man/woman himself/herself
Formal:
- Directly from the principal source
- Confirmed by the authority involved
- Obtained firsthand
Situational Appropriateness
- Mostly informal to semi-formal.
- It's generally fine in casual business conversations but might sound a bit too colloquial for very formal reports or presentations.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Highly figurative. Learners need to understand it refers to the *most direct human source*, not a literal animal.
Examples
- I know it's true; I heard it straight from the horse's mouth.
- Don't rely on rumors. Get the information straight from the horse's mouth.
- The CEO confirmed the merger herself – that's straight from the horse's mouth.
Dialogue
Alex: I heard the project deadline has been pushed back a week.
Bev: Are you sure? Where did you hear that?
Alex: From Sarah, the project manager. Straight from the horse's mouth.
Bev: Oh, great! That gives us some breathing room.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Update on the new feature release: Confirmed delayed until next quarter. Heard it straight from the horse's mouth (lead dev). #tech #productupdate
- Forum Post: Don't trust gossip sites. Wait until the official announcement comes straight from the horse's mouth.
- Facebook Comment: Is that rumor true? // Reply: Yes, she told me herself yesterday. Straight from the horse's mouth!
Response Patterns
- Oh, well, then it must be true.
- Okay, I believe you then.
- Who's the 'horse' in this case? (Asking for the specific source)
- Good, I'm glad we have confirmation.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Accepting the information as factual.
- Asking for clarification about who the direct source is.
- Discussing the implications of the confirmed information.
Conversation Starter
- No. Used to vouch for the credibility of information already being discussed.
Intonation
- Emphasis usually falls on STRAIGHT and HORSE'S mouth.
- The tone conveys confidence in the information's source.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Common in all major English-speaking regions.