How Do You Spell GIFT HORSE?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈɪft hˈɔːs] (IPA)

The phrase "gift horse" is often used to describe the idiomatic expression "don't look a gift horse in the mouth," which means not to question the value of a gift. The spelling of "gift" is straightforward, but the word "horse" has a slightly irregular pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it's spelled /hɔːrs/, indicating that the "o" is pronounced as a long "o" sound, and the "r" is silent. This unique spelling and pronunciation can trip up non-native English speakers, so it's important to practice and understand it.

GIFT HORSE Meaning and Definition

1. Gift horse is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where something is received as a gift, typically without request or expectation, and thus it should not be criticized or questioned. The phrase originates from the belief that when someone is given a horse as a gift, it is impolite or ill-mannered to inspect the horse's teeth to determine its age or value.

   In figurative terms, the expression "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" advises against being unappreciative or overly critical of a gift or opportunity that comes one's way. It emphasizes the importance of being grateful for what is received rather than scrutinizing or evaluating its worth.

   The phrase can be applied to various situations in life, highlighting the importance of gratitude and modesty. Instead of questioning or doubting the value or intentions behind a gift or favor, it suggests accepting it with appreciation and goodwill. Looking a gift horse in the mouth implies a lack of gratitude, as it implies that one is more concerned with assessing its value rather than appreciating the gesture or opportunity being presented. Therefore, it encourages individuals to adopt a gracious and thankful attitude when receiving gifts or unexpected offerings, emphasizing the idea that one should not be overly critical or suspicious of goodwill gestures.

Common Misspellings for GIFT HORSE

• fift horse
• vift horse
• bift horse
• hift horse
• yift horse
• tift horse
• guft horse
• gjft horse
• gkft horse
• goft horse
• g9ft horse
• g8ft horse
• gidt horse
• gict horse
• givt horse
• gigt horse
• gitt horse
• girt horse
• gifr horse

Etymology of GIFT HORSE

The phrase don't look a gift horse in the mouth has its origins in the practice of evaluating the age and health of a horse by examining its teeth. This expression dates back to ancient times when a horse's age could provide important information about its value and ability to perform tasks. The saying suggests that it is impolite or ungrateful to inspect or scrutinize the value of a gift too closely. The word gift itself comes from the Old Norse word gipt, which means gift or good luck.

Idioms with the word GIFT HORSE

• look a gift horse in the mouth The idiom "look a gift horse in the mouth" refers to the act of questioning or criticizing a gift or opportunity that has been offered for free. It signifies being ungrateful or overly suspicious about something that is given graciously.
• not look a gift horse in the mouth The idiom "not look a gift horse in the mouth" means to not inquire too closely into the value or source of a gift or favor. It suggests that when someone gives you something or does something kind for you, you should be grateful without finding fault or being overly critical.
• don’t look a gift horse in the mouth The idiom "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" means that when someone receives a gift or favor, it is impolite or ungrateful to question or analyze its value or authenticity. It is based on the practice of inspecting a horse's teeth to determine its age and overall health, and suggests that one should simply be grateful for whatever they receive without questioning its worth.
• never look a gift horse in the mouth The idiom "never look a gift horse in the mouth" means that when someone receives a gift or favor, they should not question or be critical of its value or worthiness. Just as one should not inspect the teeth of a horse given as a gift, it is considered impolite to scrutinize or be ungrateful for a present or benefit received.
• don't look a gift horse in the mouth The idiom "don't look a gift horse in the mouth" is typically used to advise someone against criticizing or questioning the value or quality of something that has been received as a gift, donation, or favor. The phrase comes from the practice of examining a horse's teeth to determine its age and health. By metaphorically applying it to gifts, the idiom implies that one should simply appreciate and be grateful for what they have received, without scrutinizing it further.
• gift horse The definition of the idiom "gift horse" refers to an opportunity, favor, or benefit that should not be questioned, criticized, or examined closely, but instead, accepted with gratitude and appreciation.

Similar spelling words for GIFT HORSE

• gathers,
• gift wrap.