shank's mare
Definition
Noun: - One's own legs and feet as a means of transportation: The phrase "shank's mare" (also commonly "shank's pony") is a humorous or informal idiom referring to the act of walking, emphasizing the use of one's own legs rather than a vehicle or animal for travel.
Usage
The term is used to indicate that a journey was made or will be made by walking. It often carries a tone of self-reliance, frugality, or necessity. - With the car broken down, I had to resort to shank's mare to get to the village. - "How are you getting to the station?" "I'm taking shank's mare; it's only a mile."
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is typically used in the construction "by shank's mare" or "on shank's mare," functioning as an adverbial phrase.
- The best way to see the old town is by shank's mare.
- We explored the entire island on shank's mare.
Variants and Related Words
- Shank's pony: An identical variant with the same meaning and usage.
- We'll be using shank's pony for the tour.
Synonyms
- On foot: The standard, non-idiomatic equivalent.
- By foot: A common alternative phrasing.
- Walking: The direct verb form.
Related Idioms
- To hoof it: Another informal idiom meaning to walk, especially a long distance.
- The bus never came, so we had to hoof it all the way home.
Noun
- you own legs
- I traveled on shank's mare
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