shank's pony

What is the origin of the idiom "shank's pony" and when to use it?

The idiom "Shank's pony" originated in the 19th century and is a play on words using the term "Shank" and the word "pony." The term "Shank" refers to the lower part of the leg, specifically the shinbone. In this context, it symbolizes one's own legs and the word "pony" in this idiom doesn't actually refer to a small horse but rather to the act of walking or traveling by foot. This phrase emerged in a time when walking was a common means of travel, especially when other modes of transportation were not available or affordable. Nowadays, while the phrase is less commonly used, it can still be encountered in certain regions or in nostalgic or literary contexts.