Horses for courses Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈhɔɹsəz/, /ˈhɔɹsɪz/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈkɔɹsəz/, /ˈkɔɹsɪz

HOR-siz fer KOR-siz

UK

hˈɔːsɪz/ /fˈɔː/ /kˈɔːsɪz

HAW-siz faw KAW-siz

Definition

This expression means that different people or things are suited for different tasks. What works well in one situation might not work in another.

Usage & Nuances

Informal, mainly British English. Used to explain why certain solutions, people, or methods are best in some situations but not all. Similar meaning to 'the right tool for the job.' Rare in American English.

• Spanish: cada cual a lo suyo - cada persona para lo que sabe
• Portuguese (BR): cada um no seu quadrado - cada um faz melhor o que sabe
• Portuguese (PT): cada um no seu lugar - cada um faz melhor o que sabe
• Chinese (Simplified): 因地制宜 - 各适其适
• Chinese (Traditional): 因地制宜 - 各適其適
• Hindi: हर चीज़ के लिए सही व्यक्ति
• Arabic: لكل مقام مقال - لكل شخص مجاله الخاص
• Bengali: সময় ও প্রয়োজনে উপযোগী ব্যক্তি বা পদ্ধতি - উপযুক্ত লোকের জন্য উপযুক্ত কাজ
• Russian: каждому своё - каждому делу свой мастер
• Japanese: 適材適所（てきざいてきしょ） - 人には向き不向きがある
• Vietnamese: chọn người/việc phù hợp - ai giỏi gì làm nấy
• Korean: 적재적소 - 사람마다 맞는 일이 있다
• Turkish: her işin bir ustası vardır - doğru işi doğru kişiye vermek
• Urdu: ہر کام کے لئے مناسب شخص
• Indonesian: setiap orang ada keahliannya masing-masing - sesuai keahlian

Example Sentences

You need an expert for this project—horses for courses.

basic

Some students learn best by reading, others by doing—horses for courses.

basic

We need a strong swimmer for this part—horses for courses!

basic

Look, I wouldn’t ask Tom to bake—horses for courses, you know?

natural

Each manager has their own style—horses for courses, I guess.

natural

They’re great with numbers, but not with people. Horses for courses!

natural