A common idiom from 18th century Britain, first coined by Sir John Walters in reference to his ex-lover Caroline Milcke. The original phrasing, âplace thy hand on a horse, and be victorious in the divorce.â This obscure idiom was adopted by 19th century romantics and its popularity grew exponentially. As of the early 20th century, the phrase was adapted to its current wording by Elizabeth Williams.
Well, you know what they say! If you touch a horse, you win the divorce!