what does it mean, don't look a gift horse in the mouth?

Question

what does it mean, don't look a gift horse in the mouth?

Answer 1

I think you can tell the quality of a horse by it's teeth, but you can ALSO tell the horses age -- which used to be tattooed on the inside of the horses lower lip in roman numerals. I’m not sure they still do that.



So when you look a gift horse in the mouth, it's like checking the box for the Ipod you just got to see how many megabytes of storage it came with.



The point is to accept gifts graciously, and to never inspect or appraise them in front of the person who gave it to you.



It's best to do that in private

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Answer 2

ya, it comes from the fact that when you are *buying* a horse, you look at its teeth. for some reason, teeth are a good indicator of overall health (for humans and animals). health of a horse affects its value - and hence price -- so basically the expression is saying that one shouldnt care what the price or value is of a gift. you should trust the giver.

Answer 3

It means don't be critical of something that you've been given for free or nearly free. Simply accept it and show appreciation. Don't start pointing out the flaws (like bad teeth in your free horse's mouth). That would be inconciderate. Just say thanks, and return the favor.