Idioms

shank's pony

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shank's pony

One's legs and feet, used for walking; travel by foot. Also "shanks' pony." A reference to the shank—the lower leg between the knee and the ankle—and the use of ponies or horses for travel. My bicycle fell apart three miles away from home, so I had to use shank's pony to go the rest of the way. Unfortunately, with the sedentary lifestyle many lead today, shank's pony has largely become an obsolete mode of travel.

See also: pony

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

(on) Shanks’s ˈpony

(British English, informal) walking, rather than travelling by car, bus, etc.; on foot: ‘How are we going to get there?’ ‘I suppose it’ll have to be Shanks’s pony.’ ♢ You young people go everywhere by car these days. When I was young all we had was Shanks’s pony.

Shanks is an informal word for your legs.

See also: pony

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

Going by Shank's Pony. Just as the Inuit have dozens of names for snow, so does our proliferation of words for this most egalitarian of activities demonstrate how integral it is to our culture.

Winners were (in pairs): 1 - Lauren Stopford on Balli with Emily Coneron on Lolly, 2 - Jane Livingstone on Taz with Cadence Dollve on Bryony, 3 - Liam Ralf on Mo with Jake Wilson on Sonny, 4 - Jasmin Jones on her bike with Gemma Briggs on her bike, 5 - Heidi Bassendale on Hector with Lauren Wilson on Morgan, 6 - Joshua Nicholson on Benny with Vicky Townend on Shank's pony (on foot).

Hats off to Easter eggstra! Bonnets and thinking caps for young riders P ole Moor Riding Club at Scapegoat Hill, Bolster Moor and Golcar COLNE VALLEY

To this end, Vulture gamely left the car in the garage and resorted to Shank's Pony and a stopwatch.

Culture vulture: Library moaners, your number's up

Now,I'venever seriously been in thrall to the motor vehicle,much persuaded that the braying of Ned the Donkey and Shank's Pony are more amenable means of making headway; although my expanding girth suggests otherwise.

Ringside seat to madness; Behind the wheel,folk become demons

SHANK'S PONY: Lyndsey Caldicott walked 22 miles for charity.

Lyndsey set a pace helping charity

If Shank's pony doesn't appeal, join a horse-drawn cart tour, plodding peacefully past whitewashed crofters' cottages.

Travel: Small but perfectly formed

Want to get about on Shank's Pony? Nae problems, for the local bus company will whisk you around to explore the island's hidden nooks and crannies - with a good hike always sure to get you back within reach of civilisation.

Souls for sale 'So it's Shank's Pony then eh?' sighed Brian, draining the bitter from his glass as he eyed the pub clock.

TALES FROM THE PAST

TWO wheels or Shank's Pony - the choice is yours in Redcar and Cleveland's Walking and Cycling Festival.

Pull on those boots and walk..

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