horse opera

/'hɔ:s'ɔpərə/

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Word: Horse Opera

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: "Horse opera" is a playful term used to describe a type of film or television show that is set in the American West, typically during the time of cowboys, outlaws, and pioneers. These stories often include adventure, action, and sometimes romance, and they usually feature horses, which were important for travel and work during that time.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "horse opera" when talking about movies or shows that fit this description.
• It's often used humorously or informally.

Example:

• "I love watching old horse operas; they always have exciting gunfights and beautiful landscapes!"

Advanced Usage:

While "horse opera" mainly refers to Western films, it can also be used metaphorically to describe any dramatic story that seems unrealistic or overly dramatic, much like the exaggerated plots of some Western films.

Word Variants:

• Horse operatic (adjective): Relating to the style or characteristics of a horse opera.
  • Example: "The horse operatic scenes were filled with dramatic standoffs and heroic music."

Different Meaning:

The term "horse opera" can sometimes be used to refer to any melodramatic situation or story, not just those set in the West. This usage conveys a sense of exaggeration or silliness.

Synonyms:

• Western (when referring specifically to the genre)
• Cowboy movie
• Western drama

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "horse opera" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might encounter phrases like "ride off into the sunset," which often appears in Western films to describe a happy ending or resolution.

Conclusion:

Overall, "horse opera" is an entertaining and light-hearted way to refer to Western films or stories.

Academic

Noun

1. a film about life in the western United States during the period of exploration and development

Synonyms

• western