(literary) a slow or worn-out horse; a horse of poor quality

A slow horse can travel as far as a fast horse in ten days; people with modest talent can achieve great things through persistence and hard work.

(idiom) broken-down carriage and a worn-out horse; describes living a simple and thrifty life

(literary variant) a person with mediocre or low abilities

a person of little ability or use; like a lead knife or a slow horse, indicating weak skills

inferior or mediocre; lacking talent or ability

inferior and useless; mediocre; describes someone with ordinary or poor talents, like a slow horse or scrap wood unfit for building

(literary) slow-witted and mediocre; often used as a self-depreciating term for one's own limited talent

success can be achieved through constant effort despite limited talent; literally, a mediocre horse can travel a ten-day journey through persistence

literally a worn-out horse is reluctant to leave its stable; used to describe a mediocre person who clings to their office or position out of fear of losing their livelihood

Literally "a worn-out horse is reluctant to leave its stable and fodder"; used to describe a mediocre person who is unwilling to leave a comfortable job or high position despite their lack of ability.

(literary) an inferior horse; a horse with poor stamina or physical condition