hobby horse

Definitions

1. The Irish Hobby, an extinct breed of horse.
2. A child's toy consisting of a (usually wooden or cloth) horse's head mounted on a stick.
3. A topic that elicits a prolonged and enthusiastic discussion from an individual.
   figuratively
4. A puppetlike costume used in some traditional dances and festivals that gives its wearer the appearance of a man on horseback.
5. An early bicycle with no pedals or brakes.
   historical

Equivalents

Examples

“Don't ask⟳ him about global warming: it's his favourite hobby horse, you'll never get⟳ away.”

“The squire was now on his hobby-horse, as we say⟳; he had placed the old worn fur cap by his side on the sofa, leaving his bald head and grey hairs exposed.”

“British users rechristened the baron's invention the hobby horse then the dandy horse, because draisines became very fashionable with Regency gentlemen.”

CEFR level