English Idioms from A-Z

Don’T Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth

The idiom "don’t look a gift horse in the mouth" means that when someone gives you a gift, you should be grateful and not question its value or quality. The phrase comes from the practice of examining a horse's teeth to determine its age and health before buying it. If someone gives you a horse as a gift, it would be rude to examine its teeth to check its value.

We use this idiom to remind people to appreciate what they have been given and not to be ungrateful or critical. It is often used when someone receives a gift or a favor that they did not expect or did not ask for. For example, if someone offers to pay for your dinner, you should not complain about the restaurant or the food. Instead, you should be grateful for the kind gesture.

In summary, "don’t look a gift horse in the mouth" is a way of saying that when someone gives you a gift, you should be grateful and not question its value or quality.


The usage of the idiom 'Don’T Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth' in a sentence

• My parents gifted me a car for graduation, and even though it's not the exact model I wanted, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth and will be grateful for their generosity.

• My friend gave me a used phone as a gift, so I won't look a gift horse in the mouth and will be grateful for it.

• I won a free ticket to a concert, and even though it's not my favorite band, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth and will enjoy the experience.

• My boss gave me a promotion with a slight increase in salary, and even though it's not a huge raise, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth and will work hard to prove myself in the new role.

• A wealthy benefactor donated a large sum of money to our charity, and even though it came with certain restrictions, we won't look a gift horse in the mouth and will use the funds to make a positive impact in the community.

• I received a scholarship to study abroad, and even though it's not my dream destination, I won't look a gift horse in the mouth and will make the most of the opportunity.

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