as in prudence
the ability to make intelligent decisions especially in everyday matters
pure horse sense should tell you it's dangerous to play with matches
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Recent Examples of horse sense
Our people have a horse sense for what good work is.
—
Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
—Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
My bet is that Smith has that political horse sense.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 8 June 2023
But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.
—Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023
Back in 2011, Daniels, a former Bush White House official and two-term Indiana governor known for his conservative horse sense and low-key manner, passed on a White House run and went on to accept the Purdue presidency.
—Frederick Hess, Forbes, 16 June 2022
In an age when Hollywood’s highest-profile parent-child relationship is that between Britney Spears and her father, what could be more refreshing than the homespun horse sense of the Howard boys?
—Peter Tonguette, WSJ, 7 Oct. 2021
People have many ways of talking about intuition: gut, nose, sixth sense, horse sense, Spidey-sense.
—Steve Kolowich, Washington Post, 20 June 2019
His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
—Southern Living, 14 May 2018
Beth Greenfield, Fortune, 1 July 2024
His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
—Valerie Fraser Luesse, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2024
My bet is that Smith has that political horse sense.
—Michael Tomasky, The New Republic, 8 June 2023
But Lord knows, there’s a mountain of acumen and perspicacity or, in plain terms, good horse sense stored in those minds and souls.
—Gordon Monson, The Salt Lake Tribune, 8 Jan. 2023
Back in 2011, Daniels, a former Bush White House official and two-term Indiana governor known for his conservative horse sense and low-key manner, passed on a White House run and went on to accept the Purdue presidency.
—Frederick Hess, Forbes, 16 June 2022
In an age when Hollywood’s highest-profile parent-child relationship is that between Britney Spears and her father, what could be more refreshing than the homespun horse sense of the Howard boys?
—Peter Tonguette, WSJ, 7 Oct. 2021
People have many ways of talking about intuition: gut, nose, sixth sense, horse sense, Spidey-sense.
—Steve Kolowich, Washington Post, 20 June 2019
His words of wisdom are tinged with wit and old-fashioned horse sense.
—Southern Living, 14 May 2018
Recent Examples of Synonyms for horse sense
Noun
-
Known for his humility, gentle spirit, prudence, and warmth, Pope Leo XIV's leadership offers an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to our educational mission.—
Jesus Mesa,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 May 2025
-
Exercising that prudence requires the consideration of several factors.—
Ellen P. Aprill,
The Conversation,
21 Apr. 2025
Noun
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The prevailing wisdom going into tonight was that Boston had figured itself out, and that the Celtics were about to put their superiority on display the rest of the way.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
13 May 2025
-
Speaking of what might be in store for the future, Ordonez does have words of wisdom for the next generation of CFOs.—
Jack McCullough,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Noun
-
The story is like a gentle hug, wrapping you up in a sense of comfort and contentment.—
American Booksellers Association,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
-
In that sense, her politics are written into her portfolio.—
Emma Green,
New Yorker,
16 May 2025
Noun
-
Burruss and others argue the new rules also are simple common sense.—
Andre Mouchard,
Oc Register,
7 May 2025
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That, in no small part, reflects a dependence on Chinese goods that the administration is right to see as unhealthy, but correcting that is work for a scalpel, not a chainsaw, and needs common sense too.—
The Editors,
National Review,
1 May 2025
Noun
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But the marathon markup had all the trappings of the previous endurance contest, featuring waves of emergency takeout, loads of caffeine and plenty of grumpy lawmakers who sought unique ways to make it through the gauntlet with their wits intact.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
14 May 2025
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This special stamp serves as a lasting reminder of Barbara Bush's enduring love for family and friends, sharp wit and unwavering commitment to solve the problems of today by ensuring that every man, woman and child has the opportunity to read, write and comprehend.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
Noun
-
The healthcare system is filled with bold promises and complicated policies.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
14 May 2025
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Family-building support is more than a compassionate policy.—
Cynthia McEwen,
Forbes.com,
13 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Horse sense.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/horse%20sense. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
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