- 1[countable] a hard pointed part that grows, usually in pairs, on the heads of some animals, such as sheep and cows. Horns are often curved.
- 2[countable] a horn on the head of a male deer synonym antler
- 3[uncountable] the hard substance of which animal horns are made
- 4[countable] a device in a vehicle for making a loud sound as a warning or signal to honk your car horn Behind him, a horn blared. see foghorn
- 5[countable] a simple musical instrument that consists of a curved metal tube that you blow into a hunting horn
- 6[countable] = French horn a horn concerto see English horn Idioms
to talk on the telephone
to praise your own abilities and achievements synonym boast This phrase refers to the custom of announcing important guests by blowing a horn.
to start being more careful in your behavior, especially by spending less money than before Small businesses have had to pull their horns in during the recession.
to get involved in an argument or a disagreement with someone The company has locked horns with the unions over proposed pay cuts.
in a situation in which you have to make a choice between things that are equally unpleasant The medical profession's eagerness for scientific advance had impaled it on the horns of a dilemma, forcing an unnatural choice between science and morality.
to face a difficult or dangerous situation directly and with courage Nora decided to take the bull by the horns and organize things herself.
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