From the horse's mouth
Meaning
To receive information directly from the most reliable, authoritative, or original source.
Origin
The phrase derives from the centuries-old practice of determining a horse's age and, consequently, its value by examining its teeth. An experienced buyer could precisely gauge a horse's health and age just by looking inside its mouth, a method far more accurate than any seller's declaration or forged papers. Getting the information "from the horse's mouth" therefore represented obtaining the most direct, undeniable, and authentic truth about the animal. This vivid image of direct inspection eventually transformed into a common idiom for acquiring any piece of information straight from the primary, most trustworthy source, bypassing all speculation and hearsay.
Examples
- I heard about the new policy straight from the CEO, so you know it's from the horse's mouth.
- Don't believe the rumors; wait until we get confirmation from the horse's mouth before making plans.