ridden hard and put away wet

• rode hard and put up wet

From the inadvisable practice of riding a horse, and then stabling it while it is still coated in sweat, rather than brushing and grooming it properly afterwards.

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ridden hard and put away wet

1. (idiomatic) Mistreated; not properly cared for.
   • 1978, Subcommittee on Conservation; Credit, United States Congress, Amend Credit Provisions for Farm and Rural Development Programs, page 62:

     However, much more is needed, much more. Farmers throughout the Nation feel that they have been "ridden hard and put away wet."

   • 1988, John F. Lehman, Command of the Seas: A Personal Story, page 174:

     The Oriskany had been ridden hard and put away wet at the end of the Vietnam War, without an overhaul or proper preservation.

   • 1995, Linda Howard; et al, Everlasting Love, page 293:

     Alexandra collapsed onto the leather couch in the library, feeling as if she were a horse who had just been ridden hard and put away wet.

2. (Can we verify⁽⁺⁾ this sense?) (colloquial, potentially offensive) Presumed to have had a significant number of lovers and showing the signs of overuse. (Typically said of women.)

• Used as a past participle.

• driven hard and put away smoking