Maneuver or manipulate, to further one’s own interest
The verb “to jockey” has symbolized adept maneuvering for personal gain since around 1700. Initially applied in equestrian contexts, it morphed into a metaphor for strategic positioning in various life scenarios by the mid-20th century.
Similar Expressions:
- To jostle for position
- To angle for a benefit
- To vie for a lead
- To chisel one’s way to the top
Synonyms:
- Manipulate
- Maneuver
- Scheme
- Plot
Antonyms:
- Yield
- Surrender
- Relinquish
- Acquiesce
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Life is one big horse race, and everyone’s jockeying for position, but someone’s got to clean up after the horses.”
- “Corporate ladders aren’t so different from racetracks; it’s just that the horses work harder and don’t wear suits.”
Proverbs & Wisdom
- “He who does not travel will not steer clear of maneuvers.”
- “A small jockey governs a powerful horse.”
Literary & Cinematic References
- Book: “Liar’s Poker” by Michael Lewis - Wall Street is full of heads avidly jockeying for wealth and power.
- Movie: “Wall Street” (1987) - Follow the cutthroat world where every player jockeys for power. Greed, it seems, is good after all.
- Song: “I’m in it for the Money” by 10cc - Lyrics that summarize life’s great jockeying endeavors.
- Poetry: “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost - A subtle nod to the choices and maneuvering needed to determine one’s path.
Intriguing Quizzes
### Which of these is a genuine expression related to strategic manipulation?
- [ ] Juggling peanuts for profit
- [x] Jockeying for position
- [ ] Knitting webs with watermelon
- [ ] Climbing ladders with lemon tickles
> **Explanation:** "Jockeying for position" is the accurate idiom, describing someone's strategic maneuvering to gain an advantage.
### What is an antonym of "to jockey"?
- [ ] Aggressively maneuvering
- [ ] Steering the course
- [x] Yielding
- [ ] Outfoxing
> **Explanation:** Yielding means to give up or surrender, quite the opposite of jockeying, which means to maneuver for advantage.
### Complete the phrase: “He who does not travel...”
- [ ] stumbles more often.
- [x] will not steer clear of maneuvers.
- [ ] never learns to steer.
- [ ] remains a stationary jockey.
> **Explanation:** The correct phrase highlights the necessity of movement and maneuvering in one's journey.
As F. L. Equineworth once said, “In life’s race, it’s not always the swiftest horse that wins, but the one that best jockeys his way to the front.” Continue enjoying the etymological racetrack, and remember, clever maneuvering always makes the journey worthwhile!
Happy trails! 🏇✨
