Look a gift horse in the mouth
phrase
To find fault with something that has been received as a gift or favor.
I know you don't like the color of the car your parents gave you, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Often appears as...
- don't look a gift horse in the mouth
- never look a gift horse in the mouth
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To find fault with something that has been received as a gift or favor.
I know you don't like the color of the car your parents gave you, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
Often appears as...
- don't look a gift horse in the mouth
- never look a gift horse in the mouth
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Origin Reference
The phrase originates from checking a horse's health by looking at its teeth, deemed impolite if the horse is a gift.
Just enjoy the free meal and remember not to look a gift horse in the mouth—it's a kind gesture.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Sensitivity
Some cultures may not be familiar with the phrase, so explaining its meaning could be helpful.
When I said 'don't look a gift horse in the mouth,' my international friends didn't understand until I explained.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage
It's commonly used in casual conversation rather than formal writing or speech.
He gave you a lift, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth by complaining about his driving.
Pro Tip 1/3Origin Reference
The phrase originates from checking a horse's health by looking at its teeth, deemed impolite if the horse is a gift.
Just enjoy the free meal and remember not to look a gift horse in the mouth—it's a kind gesture.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Sensitivity
Some cultures may not be familiar with the phrase, so explaining its meaning could be helpful.
When I said 'don't look a gift horse in the mouth,' my international friends didn't understand until I explained.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage
It's commonly used in casual conversation rather than formal writing or speech.
He gave you a lift, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth by complaining about his driving.
Pro Tip 1/3Origin Reference
The phrase originates from checking a horse's health by looking at its teeth, deemed impolite if the horse is a gift.
Just enjoy the free meal and remember not to look a gift horse in the mouth—it's a kind gesture.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Sensitivity
Some cultures may not be familiar with the phrase, so explaining its meaning could be helpful.
When I said 'don't look a gift horse in the mouth,' my international friends didn't understand until I explained.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Usage
It's commonly used in casual conversation rather than formal writing or speech.
He gave you a lift, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth by complaining about his driving.
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