hobbyhorse

Child's stick mount

A hobbyhorse is a stick with a toy horse's head, ridden by children in play.

From this comes the figurative sense: a topic or pursuit someone returns to obsessively.

Don't get him started on tax reform—it's his hobbyhorse.

The word suggests mild exasperation at someone's fixation.

In early use, a hobbyhorse was also a figure of a horse worn around the waist in Morris dancing.

toy

plaything

Object for amusement

nurseryRoom for infants
gallopSwiftest quadruped gait
pretendAct as though

mane · reins · saddle · stirrup · whinny · neigh · pony · ride · carousel · playroom

obsession

fixation

Persistent mental attachment

preoccupationAbsorbing mental focus
monomaniaFixation on single idea
idée fixePersistent dominating thought

passion · fascination · enthusiasm · mania · compulsion · infatuation · engrossment · absorption · single-mindedness · dedication

pastime

leisure

Free time for relaxation

recreationRefreshment through leisure
amusementPleased entertainment state
diversionRedirection of attention

pursuit · avocation · interest · activity · entertainment · enjoyment · pleasure · relaxation · craft · handiwork

dressage

folk dance

Communal heritage choreography

pantomimeDrama through gesture alone
costumeClothing for portrayal
pageantStaged public display

masquerade · ceremonial · processional · festival · May Day · mummers · folk tradition · performer

Categories

wooden horsessawhorse
homemade toysrag doll, wooden blocks, paper airplane, sock puppet, play dough

Opposites

literal toy vs. real horse

hobbyhorseriding horse

Equine trained for mounting

pony · stallion · mare · steed · mount

pet topic/obsession vs. disinterest

hobbyhorseindifference

Lack of interest

apathy · disinterest · unconcern · blind spot · detachment

frivolous fixation vs. serious concern

hobbyhorseurgent matter

Family

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G