from the horse's mouth

1. From a reliable source, on the best authority. For example, I have it from the horse's mouth that he plans to retire next month. Also put as straight from the horse's mouth, this expression alludes to examining a horse's teeth to determine its age and hence its worth. [1920s]

Example Sentences

"Gregg told me those people have a dreadful life. 'We're doing good', he told me. That was from the horse's mouth, so I won't let anyone tell me we shouldn't have been there."

From BBC

“People might think this is a better forum in which to get, from the horse’s mouth, what the different presidential tickets actually stand for.”

From Los Angeles Times

Republicans are concerned they have few accomplishments to run on in 2024, and according to NBC News, it's coming from the horse's mouth.

From Salon

"Anthony, you're getting it from the horse's mouth himself: I'm here, I'm ready to go," Wilder said.

From BBC

“I need y’all to hear this from the horse’s mouth, not the publicist’s computer,” Ne-Yo says in the clip, which has since been deleted.

From Los Angeles Times