doʊnt lʊk ə ɡɪft hɔrs ɪn ðə maʊθ
- Literally:
- Don't examine the teeth of a horse given as a gift
What does "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" mean?
- Don't criticize or question something given for free
- Accept gifts graciously without finding fault
Examples
- The car is old but free—don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
- I know it's not perfect, but don't look a gift horse in the mouth.
- She was complaining about the free tickets—don't look a gift horse in the mouth!
Origin
A horse's age and health can be determined by examining its teeth. Looking in the mouth of a gift horse means ungratefully evaluating a gift. Dating from the 16th century, with earlier Latin and Greek versions.
How to use it
Advises gratitude for gifts regardless of perceived value. Common when someone criticizes something they received for free.
Similar expressions
Opposites
Related idioms
- kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two goals with a single action
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't assume success before it actually happens
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.