b) Be patient !
Well done ! That’s the right answer.
’Hold your horses’ is used for telling someone to stop and think before making a decision and taking an action. This is an informal way to say “calm down and wait” when you would like someone to slow down.
French translation
Calmez-vous ! Arrêtez ! Pas si vite !
How NOT to translate : *Tenez vos chevaux
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Examples in the press
‘Hold your horses on reopening the economy
Those who want to race toward a fast reopening of the economy have been talking a lot lately. (…) Fortunately, there are adults in the room. (…) This kind of regional cooperation is exactly what we need. The governors understand that the economies of these states are closely interconnected, and that viruses do not respect state lines.
They understand that we cannot get the economy back without adequate testing and tracing.
The Detroit News, 20 April 2020
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‘How can Man United become title contenders ?
Man United are in the top four picture in the Premier League but they want more, a lot more, as talk of mounting a title bid in the future has begun.
Woah. Hold your horses. Man United title contenders ? (…) That’s admirable, Harry, but is it realistic ?’
NBC Sports, 20 April 2020
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Everyday usage
Hold your horses will you ? And remember to wash your hands regularly and put on your mask before leaving the house. Stay safe !
We arrived an hour late at the wedding but he kept telling me “hold your horses !”
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