don't look a gift horse in the mouth



don't 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, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth! A: "But I don't want this ancient car!" B: "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, OK? You're so lucky to get a car for free!"
See also: gift, horse, look, mouth

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Line-Danish, Norwegian, French
Alcuin['ælkwin]
Zebedaios-Biblical Greek
Kanti-Hinduism, Indian, Hindi, Bengali
Albine-French, German
Partheniapar-THEE-nee-ə (English)Greek Mythology