ridden hard and put away wet: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘ridden hard and put away wet’ mean?
The idiomatic expression "ridden hard and put away wet" refers to someone or something that has been treated roughly or neglectfully, often resulting in negative consequences or physical exhaustion.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "run someone ragged" means to exhaust or wear someone out completely.
The idiom "run someone off their feet" means to keep someone extremely busy or overwhelmed with work or tasks.
The idiom "run into the ground" means to exhaust or use up completely, often through overuse or mismanagement.
The idiom "rub in" means to emphasize or remind someone of something, often in a way that causes annoyance or embarrassment.
The idiom "rough trot" refers to a difficult or challenging period of time or situation. It conveys the idea of facing hardships or experiencing a series of problems.
The idiom "rough sledding" means to undergo a difficult or challenging time or situation.
The idiom *rough patch* refers to a difficult or challenging period of time in someone's life or a situation. It implies that things are not going well and there are obstacles or problems to overcome.
The idiom "roughen up" means to make something or someone rough or more aggressive, usually by adding force or intensity. It can also refer to making something appear more rugged or worn.
The idiom "rough and ready" means something or someone that is not refined or polished, but is practical and effective in a basic way.
Forgotten Origins
"ride someone hard and put them away wet" is a related idiom that builds upon the concept of "ridden hard and put away wet." This expression is used to describe a situation where someone is pushed to their limits or taken advantage of, without being given the necessary time or resources to recover or regroup.
The phrase "ride someone hard" implies that someone is being treated harshly or overly demanding, similar to how a horse is ridden to its limits in a race. This can manifest in various ways, such as assigning an excessive amount of work or responsibilities, expecting unrealistic results, or disregarding personal boundaries. The impact of riding someone hard can be detrimental to their well-being, causing physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.
Following the analogy of a horse being put away wet after a race, the idiom suggests that someone is not given the opportunity to recuperate or rejuvenate after being pushed to their limits. This lack of consideration or care can lead to feelings of burnout, resentment, and frustration. In essence, "riding someone hard and putting them away wet" reflects the negative consequences of overworking or neglecting individuals without providing the necessary support or resources for recovery.
"ride roughshod over" is another related idiom that shares similarities with both "ridden hard and put away wet" and "ride someone hard and put them away wet." This expression conveys the idea of dominating or treating others with disregard, without considering their opinions, feelings, or well-being.
The term "ride roughshod" originally comes from the practice of using horseshoes with protruding nails, known as roughshod shoes, to intentionally inflict pain or discomfort on horses. This cruel practice allowed the rider to have absolute control over the horse, ignoring its welfare.
Metaphorically, "ride roughshod over" implies a similar domineering attitude towards others. It describes a situation where someone exercises complete authority or control, often at the expense of others' autonomy, dignity, or rights. This can manifest in various contexts, such as leadership, relationships, or decision-making processes. The idiom emphasizes the disregard for others' well-being and the imposition of one's own agenda or desires.
Incorporating these related idioms into the discussion of "ridden hard and put away wet" highlights the various ways in which mistreatment, neglect, and abuse can occur. Whether it is the physical and mental exhaustion of being pushed to one's limits, the lack of consideration for someone's recovery, or the domineering attitude of riding roughshod over others, these idioms underscore the importance of empathy, respect, and proper care for the well-being of individuals, objects, or ideas.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *ridden hard and put away wet* can be used in a sentence:
- After a long day at work, I feel like I've been ridden hard and put away wet.
- The car was left outside in the rain all night, and now it looks like it's been ridden hard and put away wet.
- He came in from his run, sweating and out of breath, looking like he had been ridden hard and put away wet.
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