dark horse
US /dɑrk hɔrs/
UK /dɑrk hɔrs/

1.
cavallo oscuro, outsider
a person who keeps their abilities and intentions secret and who surprises people by doing something unexpected, especially by winning a competition or election
:
•
No one expected him to win; he was a real dark horse in the race.
Nessuno si aspettava che vincesse; era un vero cavallo oscuro nella corsa.
•
She's a bit of a dark horse; you never know what she's going to do next.
È un po' un cavallo oscuro; non sai mai cosa farà dopo.