Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
look-a-gift-horse-in-the-mouth
idiom
/ˈlʊk ə ɡɪft hɔrs ɪn ðə maʊθ/
Definition
To criticize or examine a gift too closely to find faults or imperfections.
Examples
- When she received the free tickets to the concert, she was careful not to look-a-gift-horse-in-the-mouth, knowing how rare it is to find such opportunities.
- It’s considered bad manners to look-a-gift-horse-in-the-mouth when someone offers you help.
Meaning
The phrase implies that one should be grateful for a gift rather than question its value or quality.
Synonyms
- Question a gift
- Be ungrateful
- Criticize a present
