English

Adjective

tall in the saddle

1. (idiomatic, of a person) Imposing, impressive; resolute; manly.
   • 1966 Aug. 12, "The Graven Image," Time:

     He is tall in the saddle (6 ft. 2 in.) and so adamantine that Jennifer Jones broke her hand slapping his face.

Adverb

tall in the saddle

1. (idiomatic, of a person) Imposingly, impressively; resolutely; manfully.
   • 2008 Feb. 27, "Conservative Author Buckley Dead at 82," Associated Press:

     His son noted Buckley had died "with his boots on, after a lifetime of riding pretty tall in the saddle."

Derived terms

• ride tall in the saddle

Related terms

• in the saddle