the gray mare is the better horse

used to imply that sometimes a woman can be more skilled, capable, or better than a man, emphasizing that gender does not determine one's abilities or qualities

The origin of the proverb "the gray mare is the better horse" is often attributed to traditional sayings in England, where it was used to express the idea that experience or reliability can sometimes outweigh raw strength or youth. The phrase suggests that while the gray mare may not be the flashiest or most impressive, she is the more dependable choice. It has been used to emphasize that a woman, despite not fitting certain traditional expectations, can be just as capable, if not more so, than a man. Today, it challenges outdated gender stereotypes and highlights that skill and competence are not determined by gender.

Many people assume that men are naturally better at sports, but time and time again, female athletes have proven that the gray mare is the better horse, often outperforming their male counterparts.

used to emphasize that sometimes the less obvious or less flashy option is actually the better choice

The origin of the proverb "the gray mare is the better horse" is believed to come from English folk wisdom. It suggests that the less flashy or obvious choice can often be the better one, emphasizing qualities like reliability, experience, or practicality over appearance. The proverb likely arose from a time when horses were an important part of daily life, and the gray mare, while not as striking as other horses, might have been more dependable or hardworking. It has since been used to suggest that, in some cases, the less noticeable or less popular option may prove to be the superior one.

When it comes to choosing a car, it's easy to be swayed by flashy features and sleek designs, but sometimes the gray mare is the better horse, and a reliable, practical vehicle is a smarter choice in the long run.