Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun idiomatic An apparent gift, that has substantial associated costs.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a gift (usually of inferior quality) that should be accepted uncritically

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From the economics of horse ownership, in which an aging horse of declining value continues to require feeding and stabling. Possibly influenced by the proverb don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

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Examples

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Comments

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  • Don't look it in the mouth.

    January 5, 2008

  • Why not? Does it bite?

    January 5, 2008

  • No, it just resembles John Kerry.

    January 5, 2008

  • Eewww, then I'll be sure to avoid looking it anywhere.

    January 5, 2008

  • It's just What They Say.

    January 5, 2008

  • I think you may be looking at the wrong end, there, bilby.

    January 5, 2008

  • Who says that? These people?

    January 5, 2008

  • Yes. Those people.

    January 5, 2008

  • Safer not to inspect either end too closely. The poor beastie could have been feagued or bishopped. Or both.

    (See, I really have learned something on Wordie - a year ago, I didn't know either of those words)

    January 5, 2008