enough to choke a horse: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "enough to choke a horse" is a common expression used in American English to describe a large and overwhelming amount of something. It is believed to have originated in the early 19th century and gained widespread usage in the mid-20th century. This idiom is primarily used in informal contexts, such as everyday conversations and occasionally in written texts.

The phrase itself is straightforward and implies that the amount of something is so substantial that it could potentially cause a horse to choke. However, it is important to note that the idiom is not meant to be taken literally, but figuratively, as a way to vividly express an excessive or overwhelming quantity.

While the precise reason for using horses in this idiom is unclear, it is worth considering that horses were prevalent mode of transportation and work animals during the time when the idiom first emerged. Therefore, the use of a horse in the expression may have been a way to emphasize the magnitude of the quantity being referred to.

The idiom "enough to choke a horse" is versatile and can be applied to various contexts. It can be used to describe excessive amounts of food, information, work, or anything else that surpasses what is considered normal or appropriate.

For instance, one might say, "I have so much work to do that it's enough to make a cat laugh." This use of the idiom "enough to make a cat laugh" adds a touch of humor to the statement, highlighting the overwhelming amount of work that needs to be done.

The phrase "choke off" can also be related to the idiom "enough to choke a horse". "Choke off" is used to describe the action of stopping or inhibiting something abruptly. If something is "enough to choke a horse," it could potentially "choke off" other things, such as opportunities or progress. For example, one might say, "The excessive amount of time spent on administrative tasks is enough to choke a horse and choke off any chance for creative work."

Another related idiom is "enough to make the angels weep". It is used to describe excessive sorrow, pain, or tragedy. When something is "enough to choke a horse," it can also be distressing or tragic enough to "make the angels weep." For instance, one might say, "The devastation caused by the natural disaster was enough to make the angels weep and left the community in despair."

The idiom "enough to choke a horse" is a vivid and memorable expression that conveys the concept of an excessive amount. Though its origin remains somewhat mysterious, its widespread use demonstrates its effectiveness in daily American English. Passed down through generations, this idiom continues to provide a colorful way to describe overwhelming quantities.