What Does gift horse mean?

gift horse (plural gift horses) (idiomatic) An apparent gift, that has substantial associated costs or drawbacks, especially a gift that does not fit perfectly with the recipient’s wants or needs.

What does coming from the horse’s mouth mean?

If you hear something (straight) from the horse’s mouth, you hear it from the person who has direct personal knowledge of it.

Where did I have to see a man about a horse come from?

The saying comes from the 1866 Dion Boucicault play, Flying Scud, in which a character knowingly breezes past a difficult situation saying, “Excuse me Mr. Quail, I can’t stop; I’ve got to see a man about a dog.” “See-a-man-about-a-horse.” YourDictionary.

Is straight from the horse’s mouth a metaphor?

So when you got the tip straight from the horse’s mouth, you have it directly from the source which is the highest authority… … although in horse racing, it still won’t guarantee you a winner!23 мая 2018 г.

What does dont look a gift horse?

Don’t question the value of a gift. The proverb refers to the practice of evaluating the age of a horse by looking at its teeth. This practice is also the source of the expression “long in the tooth,” meaning old.

Why shouldn’t you look a horse in the eye?

Because horse’s an extremely observant animal and they study their surroundings. If you’re in their surroundings they are studying you too. If they see you looking at them in the eye it sends a message to them about who is in control.

What does hold your horses mean literally?

“Hold your horses”, sometimes said as “Hold the horses”, wait. … “Hold your horses” literally means to keep your horse(s) still, not to be confused with holding them in a stable. Someone is to slow down when going too fast, or to wait a moment, or to be more careful, or to be patient before acting.

What is a horses mouth called?

Muzzle: The area of the horse’s head that includes the mouth and nostrils.

What does the idiom get on the ball mean?

If someone is on the ball, they are very alert and aware of what is happening. She really is on the ball; she’s bought houses at auctions so she knows what she’s doing.

Why should you never look a gift horse in the mouth?

The reason is because a horse’s age can be determined by inspecting its teeth. Basically, the longer the teeth, the older the horse. Thus, looking a gift horse in the mouth could be considered rude because the person is essentially examining the horse to see if it measures up to their standards.

Who said never look a gift horse in the mouth?

St. Jerome’s

What does going to see a man about a mule mean?

verb. to urinate. Spoken by Brad Pitt in the movie Kalifornia. I gotta see a man about a mule.17 мая 2011 г.

What is the meaning of the idiom rat around?

rat around

To search in, around, or through something or some place, especially in a sneaking, furtive manner.

What does horse sense mean?

English Language Learners Definition of horse sense

informal : the ability to make good judgments or decisions : common sense.