1. a horse positioned nearest the wheels of a vehicle in a team of horses
2. a person who works steadily and dependably, especially in a political organization
Usage: informal

Examples

• The wheelhorse had to be strong enough to control the heavy wagon.
• In the old days, the wheelhorse bore most of the weight when stopping.
• She was the party's wheelhorse, organizing every campaign event.
• The senator relied on his wheelhorse to handle the daily operations.
• Without a reliable wheelhorse, the political machine would collapse.
• The wheelhorse position required the most experienced animal in the team.