shanks' mare

Or shank's mare

noun

1. one's own legs, especially as a means of moving from one place to another.

   The only way we can get there is by shanks' mare.

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. ride shanks' mare, to go on foot rather than ride; walk.

   It was such a delightful day that we decided to ride shanks' mare to the fair.

Example Sentences

The rebels ride on stolen nags, They travel on shanks' mare; The gore's awash, the heads they roll, All in the torches' glare.

From Project Gutenberg

The fire companies at the first alarm, in scarlet shirts, turned out on shortest notice, at a dead run on "shanks' mare."

From Project Gutenberg

He always rode a charger, while I travel on shanks' mare; He messed on wine and venison; I eat far humbler fare.

From Project Gutenberg

"They are a whole lot better than 'shanks' mare,' Elder," said the young girl, laughing.

From Project Gutenberg

We followed the wave of his hand, and climbed meekly aboard, although at lunch we had been carrying on an antiphonal hymn of praise to the pleasure and benefit of shanks' mare.

From Project Gutenberg