handbook man
Definition
Noun: A "handbook man" is a professional gambler, especially one who makes a living by betting on horse races. The term originates from the use of a "handbook" (a small book or record) to track bets and odds.
Usage Examples
- (A professional horse-race gambler who systematically bets.)
- (Someone who turned horse-race betting into a full-time occupation.)
Advanced Usage
- "Handbook man" is primarily used in historical or informal contexts, particularly in American English from the mid-20th century. It may appear in discussions of gambling subculture or in works of fiction set in that era.
- The novel featured a grizzled handbook man who knew every jockey and trainer. (A character representing a seasoned professional gambler.)
Variants and Related Words
- Handbook (n): a small book containing information or instructions; in gambling, it referred to a record of bets.
- He consulted his handbook to check the odds before placing a bet. (The book used for tracking bets.)
- Handicapper (n): a person who sets odds or predicts outcomes in horse racing.
- The handicapper's advice was crucial for the handbook man. (A related professional in the gambling industry.)
Synonyms
- Bookmaker: a person who takes bets on races and events, often professionally.
- Turf accountant: a formal term for a bookmaker specializing in horse racing.
- Racetrack gambler: a general term for someone who gambles at horse races.
Related Idioms
- "Play the ponies": to bet on horse races.
- The handbook man played the ponies every day at the track. (Engaged in horse-race betting.)
- "Against the odds": in a situation where success is unlikely but still possible.
- The handbook man bet against the odds and won big. (Placed a risky bet that paid off.)