don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
Meaning
Don’t criticize or scrutinize a gift; accept it gratefully instead of finding faults.
Origin
From the practice of judging a horse’s age/health by examining its teeth. Doing that to a “gift horse” implies suspicion or ingratitude, so the proverb warns against fault-finding in gifts.
Notes
Often used as advice when someone nitpicks a freebie or help. Proverb-like and mildly admonishing; can sound scolding if said bluntly.
Examples
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It’s a free upgrade—don’t look a gift horse in the mouth; just enjoy it.
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I know the color isn’t your favorite, but don’t look a gift horse in the mouth; she meant well.
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They fixed my laptop for nothing, so I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth and complain about the wait.
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The tickets are complimentary—don’t look a gift horse in the mouth and start asking for better seats.
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He offered to help us move this weekend; don’t look a gift horse in the mouth by nitpicking his schedule.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed proverb. Usually imperative: “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.” Sometimes shortened (“Don’t look a gift horse”) or used with modals (“You shouldn’t…”).
Synonyms
- be grateful for what you get
- don’t be ungrateful
- take what you can get
Antonyms
- be picky
- look a gift horse in the mouth