Stalking horse meaning

A stalking horse is a tactic used to conceal one's true intentions or lure out a competitor's strategy in a competitive situation.


Stalking horse definitions

Word backwards gniklats esroh
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division stalk-ing horse
Plural The plural of the word "stalking horse" is "stalking horses."
Total letters 13
Vogais (4) a,i,o,e
Consonants (8) s,t,l,k,n,g,h,r

Stalking horse is a strategic move employed in various contexts, such as business negotiations, auctions, and even politics. This tactic involves using a seemingly independent party to make an initial offer or bid to set a benchmark for others to follow. The main purpose of a stalking horse is to test the waters and reveal the true intentions or capabilities of other parties involved.

Origins of Stalking Horse

The term "stalking horse" dates back to medieval times when hunters used specially trained horses to get closer to their prey without being noticed. The horse would act as a shield, allowing the hunter to get a better shot. In the business world, a stalking horse serves a similar purpose – to shield the true interests or motivations of the main party behind it.

Application in Business

In the context of business negotiations, a stalking horse is often used to kickstart a bidding process or acquisition. By making an initial offer, the stalking horse sets a baseline value for the asset or company in question. This can help attract other potential buyers or investors who may be hesitant to make the first move.

Benefits and Risks

Utilizing a stalking horse can have several advantages, such as increasing competition, driving up the final price, and maintaining confidentiality. However, there are also risks involved, such as the stalking horse becoming the winning bidder by default or other parties using the information revealed to their advantage.

Overall, the use of a stalking horse requires careful consideration of the specific circumstances and goals involved. When used effectively, it can be a powerful tool in negotiations and deal-making.


Stalking horse Examples

  1. The company used a stalking horse strategy to acquire their competitor without drawing attention.
  2. The politician used a controversial bill as a stalking horse to pass other legislation unnoticed.
  3. The fake social media account was a stalking horse for gathering information on the target.
  4. The disguised protester acted as a stalking horse to infiltrate the opposing group.
  5. The seemingly innocent proposal served as a stalking horse for the true intentions of the organization.
  6. The misleading headline acted as a stalking horse to attract readers to the article.
  7. The decoy car was a stalking horse to distract the police while the real criminals escaped.
  8. The fake website was a stalking horse for phishing personal information.
  9. The seemingly unbiased study was actually a stalking horse for promoting a specific agenda.
  10. The planted evidence served as a stalking horse to frame the innocent suspect.


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  • Updated 23/06/2024 - 07:31:13