What’s in a Cliché: Stalking-Horse 🏇
Definition: A pretext for hiding someone’s true motive, often in a political context. Historically, it referred to hunters who disguised under horses to approach their prey undetected.
Origins and Evolution: Centuries ago, stealthy hunters would hide behind their horses, inching closer to their unsuspecting targets. This technique eventually lent its imagery to the world of secret stratagems, whether veiled intentions or political maneuvers.
Humor-filled Quote:
“He uses his folly like a stalking-horse and under the presentation of that he shoots his wit.” — William Shakespeare, As You Like It
Vital Usage Example (modern context):
Time had it on November 21, 1977: “She’s willingly making herself a stalking horse for the ultra right.”
Related Idioms and Expressions:
- Red Herring: An irrelevant point that distracts from the main issue.
- Smoke and Mirrors: Deceptive practices meant to trick or confuse people.
- Trojan Horse: Something or someone intended to defeat or subvert from within.
- Puppet Master: One who manipulates others behind the scenes.
Inspirational Note: In British politics of the early 1990s, a “stalking-horse” was a test candidate, gauging the political climate for a legitimate challenge. Conceal your intentions well, and sometimes the race is won before the other side even knows there’s a race.
Literature and Media References:
- As You Like It by William Shakespeare
- Machiavelli’s The Prince: Sometimes, to achieve great ends, deceptive means are necessary.
- House of Cards Series: Full of stalking-horse strategies.
Farewell Thought: “Everything is not always what it seems, and often the distances we need to cover in life come concealed behind something seemingly unimportant. A stalking-horse could be much more than just a stepping stone; it’s the line between reality and cunning, proving that appearances can indeed be deceiving.” — Penelope Quibble, 2023
