dark horse
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Norway may have been touted by many as this World Cup's dark horse but their impressive progress still feels like they have exceeded expectations.
From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026
Now, on his main-draw debut on the Paris clay, Jodar has emerged as a dark horse for the Coupe des Mousquetaires.
From BBC ● Jun. 1, 2026
Blyth also called Rieder a bit of a "dark horse" on whether his decisions would shift from Powell's.
From Barron's ● Jan. 26, 2026
Surprisingly, none of the three claimed Austen’s best-known novel, “Pride and Prejudice,” while dark horse candidate “Mansfield Park” — Austen’s far less sparkly, even somber third novel — appeared to win the day.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 30, 2025
He had become the convention's surprise dark horse.
From "Ambushed!" by Gail Jarrow
