Definition: A "wheel horse" is a noun that refers to a draft horse that is harnessed to a vehicle, closest to the wheels. In a team of horses pulling a cart or wagon, the wheel horse is typically the one that does the most work because it is positioned nearest to the heavy load.
In a metaphorical sense, "wheel horse" can also refer to a person who does a lot of hard work in a team or organization. This usage highlights someone who is dependable and takes on a significant share of the burden.
While "wheel horse" primarily refers to a draft horse, in broader usage, it can refer to anyone who plays a crucial role in achieving a goal or completing a task.
There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "wheel horse," but here are a couple of phrases that convey a similar spirit of hard work: - "Pulling one's weight": This means to do your fair share of work. - "Carry the load": This means to take on a lot of responsibility or work for a group.
In summary, a "wheel horse" is a specific type of horse that plays a vital role in pulling vehicles. It can also refer to a hardworking person in a team.