Back the wrong horse
Meaning
To support a person, idea, or cause that ultimately proves unsuccessful or disadvantageous.
Origin
Horse racing has been a popular sport and subject of wagering for centuries, especially in Britain. The term "backing a horse" refers to placing a bet on a particular horse to win a race. When a bettor "backs the wrong horse," it means their chosen steed loses, resulting in a lost wager and a failed prediction. This vivid imagery from the racetrack, where fortunes are won and lost on the performance of an animal, naturally extended into everyday language during the 19th century, becoming a widely understood metaphor for making any kind of poor decision or supporting a losing cause in life or business.
Examples
- The company invested heavily in that failing startup, only to realize they had backed the wrong horse.
- She felt she had backed the wrong horse by trusting his promises, as he never followed through on a single one.