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Region: General | Usage example: They backed the wrong horse when they invested in that startup.

Back the wrong horse

Meaning

Support someone who ends up losing or failing.

Usage

Used for any mistaken commitment.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Gambling language from horse racing where a poor bet loses money.

Popular since the nineteenth century as betting metaphors entered everyday English.

Related Idioms

Get back on the horse

Try again after a failure.

Have your back

Protect or support someone.

You can lead a horse to water

You cannot force someone to accept help.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.