Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth - Idiom Of The Day For IELTS

If you are someone aspiring to get a high band score in the IELTS exam and stand out from the crowd, it is always a good idea to learn how to sound natural. Native users frequently use idioms like the ‘Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth’ in their speech. 

Hence, you should be familiar with a few of the more common ones just like this. Using idioms in your speech is to add variety and depth and showcase lexical resources that would be accounting for 25% of your total IELTS band score.

So now, let us learn ways to use the ‘Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth’ idiom in your IELTS Speaking and Writing and practice some exercises related to it as well!

Meaning of the 'Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth' IELTS Idiom

This idiom “look a gift horse in the mouth” means to find a fault with something that has been received by you as a gift or favor. It also implies being ungrateful or overly critical when a person gives you something, especially when you did not pay for it.

Where Did the Idiom 'Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth' Come From?

The idiom ‘Look a gift horse in the mouth’ comes from an old practice of people checking a horse’s health as well as its age by examining its teeth. If a person gave you a horse and you looked into its mouth, it was that you were checking its value, which suggested doubt or ingratitude. 

This phrase has been around in people’s conversations since at least of the 16th century and then was popularized in writings like those of St. Jerome in Latin (“Noli equi dentes inspicere donati”).

Synonyms of the 'Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth' Idiom

• Being ungrateful
• Questioning a favor
• Criticize a free offer

Antonyms of the 'Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth' Idiom

• Appreciating the gesture
• Accepting with gratitude
• Being thankful

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom 'Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth'

Question: IELTS Speaking Part 2 - Describe a place where you grew up

I grew up in a Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth where almost everyone knew each other. In my place, life was slow, but it did not offer much in terms of career or entertainment. This is the reason why I moved to my city.

Examples to Understand the Usage of the 'Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth' Idiom in Sentences

• Madhesh got a free trip to Goa but still complained about the hotel. I felt like saying, “Hey, talk about looking a gift horse in the mouth!”
• When a person gives you something out of their kindness, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.
• My cousin was offered a scholarship but she kept criticizing the location. She really did looked a gift horse in the mouth.

Mistakes to Avoid While Using the ‘Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth’ Idiom

• Avoid using the idiom for purchases as it only applies to gifts or favors, not the things you paid for.

Incorrect: I bought this phone, and now I feel I looked a gift horse in the mouth.

Correct: They gave me this iphone for free and I shouldn’t be looking a gift horse in the mouth.

• Do not take it literally as it is just an idiom and no horses or mouths are involved!

• Avoid using it in a positive tone. This idiom implies criticism or ingratitude and not appreciation.

Practice Exercise

Exercise 1

Choose the suitable idiom to complete the sentence below.

1. He shouldn’t __________ just because the dress was from the last season. It was really a thoughtful gift.
2. My friend got that old bike for free — she shouldn’t __________!
3. It is best to accept kindness gracefully rather than __________ every small flaw.

Exercise 2

Describe a time when someone gave you something and you were not fully satisfied with it.

You should say:

• What the gift or favor was
• Who gave it to you
• How you reacted
• And explain why you felt that way

Exercise 3

Question: Some people believe we should never criticize a gift or free offer, while others think it’s fair to expect quality even when something is free.

Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Write a paragraph that clearly uses the idiom "Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth."

Practice Exercise: Answer Key

Exercise 1

1. look a gift horse in the mouth
2. look a gift horse in the mouth
3. looking a gift horse in the mouth

Exercise 2

Last year for my birthday, my colleague gifted me a fiction book that I already had. At first, I was about to point it out, but right then I decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Because, she put in an effort and I felt that it’s the thought that counts and not just the item. Hence, I thanked her sincerely and appreciated the gesture, after all. 

Exercise 3

Some individuals believe that questioning a free gift is rude and that it reflects ingratitude. On the other hand, other people feel that even free things should meet basic expectations. In my opinion, one should not look a gift horse in the mouth, as the intention of the person who offered it is what that really matters more than the item. Moreover, appreciating kindness helps build stronger relationships and shows good character.

Some More Examples Using the 'Look a Gift Horse in the Mouth' Idiom in Sentences

• “When Aunt Lara bought Cynthia a beautiful dress, she looks a gift horse in the mouth.“
• “I know the car’s not in great condition, but you shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”
• “I advise you not to look a gift horse in the mouth.“

Also Check:

• Once in a Blue Moon Idiom: Meaning, Definition & Synonyms 
• Play It By Ear Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises  
• The most Common Idioms to Boost Your IELTS Score – Topic : Help and encouragement