I conduct a vast amount of legal research for the Court; thus, I read a lot of court opinions. Being the sort that always has horses on the brain, I notice when judges use equine-themed phrases in their written opinions. There are a few that pop up frequently, especially those that involve “putting the cart before the horse,” a phrase that is more than a little hackneyed. That is a phrase I could do without!
At any rate, here are a few of the phrases I’ve come across, some more unique than others:
1. “putting the cart before the horse” [often used by the dissent to describe the majority opinion]
2. “this is a horse soon curried” [attributed to Justice Frankfurter]
3. “They are not unlike a multiple team of horses drawing a vehicle under the control of a single driver.”
4. “changing/swapping horses midstream.”
5. “raising the specter of horse trading”
6. “acting as a stalking horse” [usually referring to a bidder]
7. “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”
8. “Nonetheless, ATT’s attempt to resurrect the dismissed claims via the proposed supplementation is somewhat akin to engrafting a horse onto a horsefly-if it doesn’t smother the fly it will certainly ensure that it never flies.” [from a Southern District of Florida court]
9. “However, the court feels the proverbial ‘horse’ is ‘dead’”
10. “This inconsistency is as nonsensical as one attempting to ride two horses going in opposite directions at the same time.”
11. “It is like painting lines on a horse to make it “look” like a zebra; it does not make it so.”
On another equine note, if you are anywhere in or near Kentucky, do yourself a favor and get to the World Equestrian Games in Lexington. Even if you don’t go to an event, just getting a grounds pass and viewing all the exhibits is a must-do for horse lovers. I highly recommend it.
Kerry,
Really thought this was funny. Liked #2 the best, perhaps because I hadn’t heard it or some variation of it before.
Guess it means “quickly finished” with the implication that things are clean and well-attended?
Thanks and regards,
Frank
That one’s my favorite, too – And I agree with your interpretation of the meaning. I saw it used in reference to a particular legal issue, and assumed it meant that the issue wasn’t too complicated, and was easily addressed.
I’d imagine that one might be a little obscure for non-horse people, though!
I wish people would try a variation of “putting the cart before the horse” if they were going to use it. I think “putting the sulky before the Standardbred” has a nice ring.
Oooh! Like that!. Or even the ears before the headstall? That too is probably too obscure for the horse impoverished.
But if they go to the Keeneland November sale, they may come home with one. I’m going to suggest they require everyone attending to take home a mare.
It’s going to be that kind of sale, I’m afraid.
Do you come over for the sales and such?
If so, please say hi.
All the best,
Frank
Funny how many people in our hobby constantly have “Horses on the brain”.
Enjoyed your article. If I’m ever in court I hope the judge is a horse player!!