Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth

Meaning

The idiom "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" means that one should not question or examine something that has already been given or offered, especially when it comes to accepting a favor, service, or reward. It suggests that it is impolite and ungrateful to doubt or reject what has been presented as a gift or help.

Usage

• After the neighbor baked cookies for her birthday, Jane felt guilty for not thanking them enough. She realized she shouldn't have looked a gift horse in the mouth and should have expressed her gratitude earlier.
• When his boss offered him a promotion, John was hesitant to take it because he didn't think he was qualified enough. But after some reflection, he decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and accepted the offer.
• The new employee brought fruit to work on their first day, hoping to make a good impression. When they arrived, they noticed that everyone had already been given snacks. They felt embarrassed for having looked a gift horse in the mouth by bringing nothing.
• The friend offered to drive her home from the party, but Jane was skeptical about their abilities behind the wheel. She later realized she shouldn't have looked a gift horse in the mouth and trusted them instead.
• When the company gave its employees bonuses during the pandemic, many felt they deserved more. However, Jane decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and was grateful for what she received.

Roots and History

The idiom has been used in English since at least the 16th century. It comes from the Proverb "Look not too much upon the gift of thy neighbor," which suggests that one should not be too envious or critical of what others have received. The phrase "in the mouth" refers to examining something closely, often with a negative intention. Over time, the idiom has evolved to include more than just accepting gifts or favors. It now applies to any situation where someone doubts or questions what has been presented as a gift or help. There are no significant regional variations of this idiom in English.

Synonyms in English

• Don't question the kindness of your neighbor.
• Don't doubt the generosity of others.
• Don't be ungrateful for what has been given to you.
• Don't take gifts for granted.
• Don't be thankless for what others do for you.

Synonyms in other languages

• 不要顾虑人家的礼物。(Chinese) - Don't be suspicious of the gift from your neighbor.
• 不要怀疑人家的好意。(Japanese) - Don't doubt the kindness of others.
• 不要謝謝过多。(Korean) - Don't be too thankful.
• 不要谢谢人家的帮助。(Spanish) - Don't thank people for their help.
• 不要觉得自己没有资格。(French) - Don't doubt your qualifications.

Similar Idioms

• yoke around one’s neck

• bring home the bacon

• dig up dirt