The Village Idiom

hold with the hare and run with the hounds

The idiom "hold with the hare and run with the hounds" means to support or be loyal to two opposing factions, causes, or groups. It suggests being deceitful or indecisive by trying to please both sides.

Filed under H

In a sentence

  • She is always trying to hold with the hare and run with the hounds by expressing support for both political parties, depending on who she is talking to.
  • The CEO was accused of holding with the hare and running with the hounds when he publicly criticized his own company while secretly investing in a competitor.
  • The politician tried to hold with the hare and run with the hounds by making promises to both sides of the issue, but ultimately lost the trust of voters.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "hold with the hare and run with the hounds" is an English expression that dates back to at least the 16th century. It is used to describe someone who tries to support or please two opposing sides or parties, often by being hypocritical or playing both sides of a conflict. The idiom is derived from the image of a hunter who would simultaneously hold onto a hare while using a pack of hounds to pursue it. This contradictory behavior reflects the inherent tension between indulging conflicting interests.

One possible origin of this idiom can be traced back to the medieval sport of hunting, which was highly popular among the English aristocracy. The hunter's dilemma of choosing between the hare and the hounds represents a moral conflict between conflicting obligations. This idiom has also been interpreted as a metaphor for political situations where individuals or groups try to appease different factions with conflicting interests.

The idiom "hold with the hare and run with the hounds" is often used to criticize individuals who try to keep one foot in each camp, demonstrating a lack of integrity or loyalty. It signifies a sense of duplicity or the ability to change one's allegiances based on convenience or self-interest. This idiom highlights the tension between conflicting desires and the difficulty of maintaining neutrality while satisfying opposing parties.

Due to the idiomatic nature of this expression, its meaning is not transparent and may require some cultural and historical knowledge to fully grasp its implications. Understanding the origin of idioms is essential in comprehending their broader implications. The idiom "hold with the hare and run with the hounds" serves as a reminder of the intricacies of human nature and the challenges of reconciling conflicting forces within ourselves and society.

This idiom opens the door for broader contemplation on topics such as hypocrisy, moral ambiguity, and the human capacity for duality. It invites us to reflect on our own actions and choices, considering the potential conflicts and contradictions inherent within them. As with many idioms, the precise meaning and interpretation can vary depending on the context in which it is used.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.