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Region: General | Usage example: After the rejection, she got back on the horse and submitted a new draft.

Get back on the horse

Meaning

Try again after a failure.

Usage

Encouragement to persevere despite setbacks.

Origin & History

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

From horseriding advice after a fall.

Linked to equestrian training manuals of the 1800s.

Related Idioms

Back the wrong horse

Support someone who ends up losing or failing.

Back to the drawing board

Return to planning stage after a failure.

Get back in the saddle

Return to an activity after a setback.

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.