How to Pronounce "back the wrong horse"
expression
ˈbæk/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹɔŋ/ /ˈhɔɹs
BAK thuh RONG horss
bˈæk/ /ðə, ði/ /ɹˈɒŋ/ /hˈɔːs
BAK thuh RONG hawss
Definition
To support or choose a person, team, or idea that later turns out to be unsuccessful or wrong.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈbæk/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɹɔŋ/ /ˈhɔɹs
British English
bˈæk/ /ðə, ði/ /ɹˈɒŋ/ /hˈɔːs
Simplified Pronunciation
US
BAK thuh RONG horss
UK
BAK thuh RONG hawss
Listen in Context
I backed the wrong horse in the election; my candidate lost.
Sometimes companies back the wrong horse and lose a lot of money.
He realized too late that he had backed the wrong horse in the project.
If you always back the wrong horse, you'll end up disappointed.