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
His lack of experience on the consumer side had made him a dark horse to take over the top job, as Dimon has long espoused the need for a successor to have worn many hats.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
That angst was a big reason why 64-year-old Sanae Takaichi surged from dark horse to Japan’s first female prime minister in October.
From Barron's ● Jan. 8, 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
This card, the one with the dark man on a dark horse, this means jealousy, and this one, sorrow.
From "The House on Mango Street" by Sandra Cisneros
