Comments on: What does the phrase ‘don’t look a gift horse in the mouth’ mean?

By: tichur

tichur — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:20:59 +0000

You’ve got the idea right but forget about the horse comparison.

Your mom gets a beautiful new diamond necklace from your dad. It is not an anniversary, birthday or celebrating an event. It’s a gift for her for being "like she is," nothing more.

After closely inspecting it she tells him, "I think it looks goofy."

Don’t criticize a gift. It may be the last one you get!

Horses are not cheap to own or buy. This was even more true before the auto. People with money had at least one or even a team of them. One sign of a healthy horse is learned by checking out the teeth. If they’re rotten…forget it. It can’t eat grains properly and will develope poor health and die…not a bonus.

But it is still a gift…it’s free. It does have some worth. The carcase has value and can be sold.
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By: SkyKing

SkyKing — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:09:59 +0000

When someone gives you a gift, as in the case of the horse, you shouldn't start checking his mouth .. one way people tell if a horse is healthy is by looking at its teeth and gums. You should show your appreciation and not be looking for motives of why you got the gift, because then you show you question the friendship of the gift giver .. and that is considered a slap in the face in any culture.
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By: afdip

afdip — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 21:04:59 +0000

Take the money and run.
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By: krautchick40

krautchick40 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 20:21:59 +0000

If you get a gift don't complain
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