my kingdom for a horse

English

Etymology

Coined by William Shakespeare in 1593 in "Richard III," act 5, scene 4:

A horse! a horse! my kingdom for a horse!

Phrase

my kingdom for a horse

The speaker is willing to sacrifice anything to obtain a seemingly unimportant item that is invaluable at a critical moment.

Translations

willingness to sacrifice anything for something previously unimportant

Danish: mit kongerige for en hest
Polish: królestwo za konia

See also

sell one's birthright for a mess of pottage

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