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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Talk about resuming an important activity after time away, a mistake, or a setback.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptTo get “back in the saddle” is to return to an activity you have not done for a while, or one you feel less confident about now. “If you fall off a horse, get right back on” is advice to try again after a setback—especially when the activity matters to you. The source explicitly says there is no need to repeat something you disliked or failed at and did not want to continue.
Cultural note: The advice is about returning to a meaningful activity, not forcing yourself to repeat something harmful or unwanted. In the literal horseback-riding example, get checked for injuries before riding again. “Learning curve” means the process of learning; “steep” describes a challenging one.
Keep exploringThe horse image is about recovering confidence and returning to something that matters—not about ignoring injuries or repeating every failure.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Describe resuming a job, hobby, or routine.
Meaning
Returning to an activity after a break or after feeling less capable.
Tone & use
Can refer to work, exercise, a hobby, or another important activity.
Example
“After a few months away, she was back in the saddle and teaching piano again.”
Encourage another attempt when the goal still matters.
Meaning
Try again after a failure or difficult experience.
Tone & use
Usually refers to an activity you enjoy or consider important; it is not advice to repeat something unwanted.
Example
“The first audition was disappointing, but he got back on the horse and prepared for another one.”
Meaning
Experience a failure or setback in an activity.
Tone & use
Often appears in the longer advice “If you fall off a horse, get right back on.”
Example
“I fell off the horse with my first language presentation, but I practiced and tried again.”
Talk about how long it can take to build confidence or skill.
Meaning
The process and amount of progress involved in learning something.
Tone & use
A “steep learning curve” commonly means that a skill takes effort to learn.
Example
“There was a steep learning curve at my new job, but my coworkers helped me.”
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