ridden hard and put away wet

English

Alternative forms

• rode hard and put away wet

Etymology

From the inadvisable practice of riding a horse to the point of exhaustion, and then stabling it while it is still coated in sweat, rather than allowing it to stand outside and dry off.

Verb

ridden hard and put away wet

1. (idiomatic) Mistreated; not properly cared for.
   • 1978, Subcommittee on Conservation and Credit, United States Congress, Amend Credit Provisions for Farm and Rural Development Programs, p. 62:

     However, much more is needed, much more. Farmers throughout the Nation feel that they have been "ridden hard and put away wet."

   • 1988, John F. Lehman, Command of the Seas: A Personal Story, p. 174:

     The Oriskany had been ridden hard and put away wet at the end of the Vietnam War, without an overhaul or proper preservation.

   • 1995, Linda Howard, et al., Everlasting Love, p. 293:

     Alexandra collapsed onto the leather couch in the library, feeling as if she were a horse who had just been ridden hard and put away wet.

Usage notes

• Used as a past participle.

See also

• driven hard and put away smoking