A dark horse Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Surprise Element Refers to someone having unexpected talents or abilities. He turned out to be a dark horse, impressing everyone with his piano skills. Pro Tip 2/3Unassumingly Skilled Indicates a person who is modest about their skills may have much more to offer. She didn't boast, but in the competition, she was a dark horse. Pro Tip 3/3Hidden Potential Implies that someone's true ability has not been revealed yet. With his innovative ideas, Mark was definitely a dark horse in the company.