How to Pronounce "look a gift horse in the mouth"
expression
LUUK uh GIFT HORS in thuh MOWTH
LUUK uh GIFT HAWS in thuh MOWTH
Definition
To criticize or inspect a gift too closely, instead of accepting it gratefully without questioning its value.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈɫʊk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈɡɪft/ /ˈhɔɹs/ /ˈɪn/, /ɪn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈmaʊθ
British English
lˈʊk/ /æɪ/ /ɡˈɪft/ /hˈɔːs/ /ˈɪn/ /ðə, ði/ /mʌʊθ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LUUK uh GIFT HORS in thuh MOWTH
UK
LUUK uh GIFT HAWS in thuh MOWTH
Listen in Context
You shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth when someone gives you something.
He got free tickets but still looked a gift horse in the mouth by complaining about the seats.
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth—enjoy your surprise!
When your aunt gave you that sweater, you really shouldn't have looked a gift horse in the mouth.