never look a gift horse in the mouth

never look a gift horse in the mouth

If you receive a gift, do so graciously, without voicing criticisms. The saying is attributed to St. Jerome and refers to the practice of looking at a horse's teeth to determine its age. I know Aunt Jean isn't your favorite person, but she gave you that beautiful sweater as a present, and you should never look a gift horse in the mouth! A: "But I don't want this ancient car!" B: "Never look a gift horse in the mouth, OK? You're so lucky to get a car for free!"
See also: gift, horse, look, mouth, never
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • don't look a gift horse in the mouth
  • look a gift horse in the mouth
  • be well off
  • take the Browns to the Super Bowl
  • be in the black
  • eye to the main chance, have an
  • have an eye for the main chance
  • have an eye on/for/to the main chance
  • you can dish it out, but you can't take it
  • an eye for the main chance
References in periodicals archive
THEY say never look a gift horse in the mouth. But if that offer is made by a bookie make sure you check every filling.
Bet zone: Very odd odds
TRAINER Nick Littmoden fully supports the theory that you should never look a gift horse in the mouth.
Gifted Littmoden looks in good nick
THEY say never look a gift horse in the mouth and Leona Lewis will doubtless agree...
Leonarghh; LEWIS IS KNOCKED TO FLOOR BY BELOVED HORSE
Never look a gift horse in the mouth, says businessman Chris Butler.
Chris casts the mould for success in Welsh valley
Never look a gift horse in the mouth - an adage which has certainly paid off for jockeys' agent Richard Hale.
Gift horse keeps coming up trumps for Hale
NEVER look a gift horse in the mouth is Bianca's motto.
We love telly: WE LOVE SOAPS