hard-mouthed
Definition
- Adjective:
- Of a horse: "hard-mouthed" describes a horse that is insensitive to the bit or bridle, making it difficult to control or restrain using the mouthpiece.
- Figuratively (of a person): "hard-mouthed" means stubborn, obstinate, or difficult to manage or influence, akin to being resistant to guidance or authority.
Usage Examples
- Literal (horse):
- The old mare was hard-mouthed and would not respond to gentle tugs on the reins. (The horse was unresponsive to the bit, requiring stronger control.)
- Figurative (person):
- He is a hard-mouthed negotiator who never yields to pressure. (He is stubborn and resistant to compromise.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be hard-mouthed": to be unyielding or defiant in character.
- The student was hard-mouthed, refusing to accept any correction from the teacher. (The student was obstinate and unreceptive.)
Variants and Related Words
- Hard-mouthedness (n): the quality of being hard-mouthed.
- The horse's hard-mouthedness made it unsuitable for novice riders. (Its insensitivity to the bit made it difficult.)
Synonyms
- Literal: Unmanageable (horse), insensitive to the bit.
- Figurative: Stubborn, obstinate, headstrong, intractable.
Related Idioms
- Hard-mouthed as a mule: extremely stubborn.
- She is as hard-mouthed as a mule when it comes to changing her routine. (She is very obstinate and resistant to change.)
Usage Notes
- The term is primarily used in equestrian contexts, but its figurative meaning is common in informal speech to describe people who are unyielding or difficult to control. Avoid using it in formal writing unless referring directly to horses.