What does 'a small horse pulling a big cart' mean?

1 Answers
SanCharles
07/30/25 12:38am
Nowadays, 'a small horse pulling a big cart' mainly refers to the mismatch between a car's engine displacement and power output relative to the vehicle's weight, resulting in noticeably insufficient power during driving. Introduction to 'a small horse pulling a big cart' in cars: In today's automotive industry terminology, it refers to a situation where a car's engine (motor) has less power than what is normally required for the car to operate efficiently, leading to higher fuel consumption. Since the engine is also called a motor, it is humorously referred to as 'a small horse pulling a big cart.' Simply put, it means overestimating one's capabilities, attempting tasks beyond one's strength, resulting in futile efforts. Proverbial meaning: A proverb indicating that a person or group is attempting something beyond their capabilities.
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