look a gift horse in the mouth — to examine or criticize something given to you for free; to be ungrateful for a gift
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to examine or criticize something given to you for free; to be ungrateful for a gift
Pronunciation (IPA): /lʊk ə ˈɡɪft hɔːrs ɪn ðə maʊθ/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother gave me her old car, and even though it's rusty, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.
- He complained that the free pizza had too much cheese - talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth!
- When your boss offers you a promotion, don't look a gift horse in the mouth by asking about the salary first.
look a gift horse in the mouth
NOUN[/lʊk ə ˈɡɪft hɔːrs ɪn ðə maʊθ/]
to examine or criticize something given to you for free; to be ungrateful for a gift
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth — just say thank you and enjoy it.
The youth from the south shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This expression originates from ancient Greek practice, where a horse's age was determined by examining its teeth. Inspecting the mouth of a gifted horse to assess its age was considered disrespectful and unappreciative behavior. The phrase reflects the principle of accepting gifts graciously without suspicion, exemplified in classical narratives like the Trojan Horse tale.
Breakdown
gift horse (a horse received as a present) + look in the mouth (examine the teeth). The phrase combines the literal action of inspecting equine dentition with the figurative meaning of critically questioning the value or authenticity of a graciously given present.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother gave me her old car, and even though it's rusty, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth.”
“He complained that the free pizza had too much cheese - talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth!”
“When your boss offers you a promotion, don't look a gift horse in the mouth by asking about the salary first.”
“She got a free designer bag but complained it wasn't her favorite color - classic case of looking a gift horse in the mouth.”
📚Related Words
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