top of page

"Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth"

The Etiquette of Gratitude

"Don't Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth"

ADVERTISEMENTS

Ad Template.png

Add 1st Ad Title

insert ad description here

Ad Template.png

Add 1st Ad Title

insert ad description here

The phrase "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" means that one should not criticize or question the value of a gift. The origin of this phrase is rooted in an old practice related to assessing the age and health of horses. 


When buying a horse, it is customary to examine the horse's teeth to determine its age and health. The condition of a horse's teeth can reveal a lot about its overall well-being and how long it might live. By counting the teeth and looking at their wear, one could estimate the horse's age and thus its value. 


Applying this practice to a gift horse (a horse given as a gift) is considered rude or ungrateful. Since the horse is a gift, it's inappropriate to inspect its teeth to assess its value, as it implies doubt about the worth of the gift and ingratitude toward the giver. 


The phrase has been in use for centuries. One of the earliest recorded uses is by Saint Jerome in a letter dated around 400 AD, where he wrote, "Never inspect the teeth of a gift horse." This indicates that the concept was already a known proverb even in ancient times.

facts.png
FACTS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN
gruen-effect.jpg
NATURE

Why Goats See the World Differently

gruen-effect.jpg
HISTORY

Red Flag Empress

gruen-effect.jpg
NATURE

A New Dance in the Skies

gruen-effect.jpg
UNUSUAL INTERESTS OF NOBILITY

The Locksmith King Who Loved Gadgets and Maps

gruen-effect.jpg
SAYINGS

"Goodnight Sleep Tight"

gruen-effect.jpg
INSECTS

Caring for Monarchs

BUY NOW

BUY NOW

ADVERTISEMENT

popular.png
POPULAR NOW
gruen-effect.jpg
FOOD & DRINK

The Cultural Significance of Cocktails

gruen-effect.jpg
HISTORY

Milestones You May Not Know

gruen-effect.jpg
HISTORY

The Most Intriguing Lost Treasures

gruen-effect.jpg
FOOD & DRINK

Bubbles & Blockchain

gruen-effect.jpg
MONEY

The Vatican's Unique ATMs

gruen-effect.jpg
INSECTS

Ladybugs' Secret Moves

BUY NOW

BUY NOW

ADVERTISEMENT

bottom of page