high-stepper

A rider guides a high-stepper in a show ring.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A horse that lifts its feet high when walking or running: "high-stepper" refers to a horse with a distinctive, elevated gait, often associated with show or parade horses.
   • A person who walks with a proud, exaggerated, or lively stride: By extension, "high-stepper" can describe a person who moves with a noticeable, confident, or flamboyant step.

Usage Examples

• Noun (horse):

  • The champion high-stepper impressed the judges with its elegant trot. (A horse that raises its legs high while moving.)
  • In the parade, the high-stepper pranced proudly ahead of the carriage. (A horse with a high, showy gait.)

• Noun (person):

  • She was a high-stepper at the carnival, moving with exaggerated flair. (A person walking with a proud, lively step.)
  • The dancer was a natural high-stepper, lifting her knees high in the routine. (A performer with an energetic, elevated stride.)

Advanced Usage

• "To be a high-stepper": to be known for one's proud or ostentatious manner of walking or moving.

  • He is a high-stepper in the local marching band, always leading with confidence. (He walks with an elevated, showy style.)

• "High-stepping" (adj): characterized by or involving high steps.

  • The high-stepping horse drew cheers from the crowd. (The horse's gait involved lifting its feet high.)

Variants and Related Words

• High-stepping (adj): describing a gait or movement where the legs are lifted high.

  • The high-stepping dancers performed a lively routine. (The dancers moved with exaggerated leg lifts.)

• Stepper (n): a person or animal that steps or moves in a particular way, often used in compounds like "high-stepper" or "dance stepper."

  • The horse was a fine stepper, but not a high-stepper. (The horse had a good gait but did not lift its feet unusually high.)

Synonyms

• Prancer: a horse that moves with a lively, springy step, often lifting its feet high.
• Strutter: a person who walks in a proud, confident, or exaggerated manner.
• Show horse: a horse trained for exhibitions, often with a high-stepping gait.

Phrasal Verbs

• Step high: to lift the feet high while walking or running.
  • The horse stepped high as it entered the ring. (The horse raised its feet high while moving.)

Related Idioms

• Step lively: to move quickly and with energy, often implying a proud or showy step.

  • The drum major told the band to step lively, and they became high-steppers. (The band members moved with energetic, high steps.)

• Put on airs: to behave in a proud or showy manner, similar to the attitude of a high-stepper.

  • She put on airs as she walked, like a high-stepper at a palace ball. (She acted with exaggerated pride or elegance.)