shanks's pony

/ ˈʃæŋksɪz /

noun

1. informal,  one's own legs as a means of transportation

Word History and Origins

Origin of shanks's pony¹

C18: from _shank (in the sense: lower leg); probably with a pun on the surname Shanks

Example Sentences

Of course the publican drives his carriage and pair, while the druggist has to use Shanks’s pony.

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Tramping along on Shanks's pony one can stop and admire occasionally.

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I have hit the street, pounded the pavement, worn out shoe leather, taken Shanks's pony, hotfooted it, legged it, strode out, loped, paced.

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The present sub-postmaster, the son of Edward Biddle, who has had for many years to use "Shanks's" pony in the delivery of letters, was engaged in olden times in going on horseback down to the Passage to take, in saddlebags, the mails for South Wales and receive them therefrom.

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You land, as I think I mentioned, in the heart of the city, and, unless you prefer Shanks's pony, must perforce take a hansom to your hotel, or, if you have much luggage, two hansoms, for four-wheelers are almost unknown.

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