look a gift horse in the mouth
(redirected from look a gift-horse in the mouth)look a gift horse in the mouth
To show a lack of appreciation or gratitude when receiving a gift. A Latin version of the saying is found in the writings of St. Jerome and refers to the practice of looking at a horse's teeth to determine its age. It is often used in the negative to mean the opposite. I know Aunt Jean isn't your favorite person, but she gave you that beautiful sweater as a present, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth! A: "But I don't want this ancient car!" B: "I can't believe you're looking a gift horse in the mouth, especially since you can't afford to buy a car on your own!"
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
look a gift horse in the mouth
Fig. to be ungrateful to someone who gives you something; to treat someone who gives you a gift badly. (Usually with a negative.) Never look a gift horse in the mouth. I advise you not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
look a gift horse in the mouth
Be critical or suspicious of something received at no cost. For example, Dad's old car is full of dents, but we shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. This term, generally expressed as a cautionary proverb ( Don't look a gift horse in the mouth), has been traced to the writings of the 4th-century cleric, St. Jerome, and has appeared in English since about 1500. It alludes to determining the age of a horse by looking at its teeth.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
look a gift horse in the mouth
find fault with what has been given or be ungrateful for an opportunity.The Latin version of the proverb don't look a gift horse in the mouth (noli…equi dentes inspicere donati ) was known to St Jerome in the early 5th century ad. The 16th-century English form was do not look a given horse in the mouth .
1998 New Scientist The JAMA paper offers this advice to researchers involved in industry-funded studies: ‘At times it may be prudent… to look a gift horse in the mouth’.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
(not) look a ˌgift horse in the ˈmouth
(informal) (not) find something wrong with something given to you free: He didn’t want to accept the offer of a free meal but I told him not to look a gift horse in the mouth.The usual way to judge the age of a horse is to look at its teeth.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
look a gift horse in the mouth
To be critical or suspicious of something one has received without expense.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.