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UKa beggar on horseback
/ɐ bˈɛɡəɹ ˌɒn hˈɔːsbak/
/ɐ bˈɛɡɚɹ ˌɑːn hˈɔːɹsbæk/a beggar on horseback
[PHRASE]1
someone who has suddenly gained great wealth or high status and has become arrogant or corrupt
What is the origin of the idiom "a beggar on horseback" and when to use it?
The idiom "a beggar on horseback" has its origins in the early 17th century. The phrase is often attributed to John Heywood, an English playwright and poet, who used it in his works. It is used to describe someone who, after experiencing a significant change in fortune or status, becomes arrogant, wasteful, or irresponsible due to their newfound power or wealth.
Examples
1. As the saying goes, set a beggar on horseback, and he will ride to the devil, and soon enough, the company was in shambles.
2. After winning the lottery, he turned into a beggar on horseback, spending recklessly and neglecting his responsibilities.
3. She came from a humble background and inherited a large fortune, but her inability to manage it wisely made her a beggar on horseback.
4. The inexperienced young executive, promoted to a high-ranking position, proved to be a beggar on horseback, making poor decisions that harmed the company.
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