ridden hard and put away wet

English

Alternative forms

• rode hard and put up wet

Etymology

From the inadvisable practice of riding a horse, and then stabling it while it is still coated in sweat, rather than brushing and grooming it properly afterwards.

Pronunciation

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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