phrase
Dark Horse
An unexpected contender who could win despite low odds.
Origin
From 19th-century English horse racing โ a horse whose form was unknown to bettors, and thus 'dark', could surprise the field. Benjamin Disraeli used the metaphor in his 1831 novel The Young Duke. It became standard political vocabulary in the U.S. by mid-century, applied to candidates who emerged late from a crowded field.
Modern usage
Standard in elections, sports brackets, awards predictions, and any race with too many entrants to fully scout.
Tags
underdog
surprise
competition