"Do not look a gift horse in the teeth": the meaning and meaning of the saying

Folk sayings are concentrated wisdom, which is contained in just one sentence, sometimes rhymed. We know them far from all, but one of them lives and is used to this day - this is the proverb "The gift horse does not look in the mouth." The meaning of it should be explained only to young children. Adults understand its meaning well.

How a gift is connected with a horse's teeth

When the horse was the main means of transportation, as now the car, it sometimes could be presented. In general, it was considered an expensive offering. Stately, beautiful, with shiny hair, well combed mane and tail - it was a feast day. The only question was how old he was. This could only be determined by the teeth. If they are strongly erased, then the handsome man is old, will not live long and will not please his new master. But the gift is not accepted to discuss - they accepted what they gave, and they did not consider their teeth, at least with the donor. The teeth of a horse look only when they buy it themselves. Here from these simple rules appeared the expression "The gift horse does not look in the teeth," the meaning of which was a delicate attitude to any offering, and not necessarily to the horse.

How to make gifts to children correctly

If the child is small, he will necessarily express everything he thinks, whether it be rapture or disappointment. Sometimes on New Year's Eve the kid orders Grandfather Frost with such an expensive toy, for which parents simply do not have the means. They must set up the child in advance, which, perhaps, he will not get, and explain the meaning of the proverb "Do not look a gift horse". Then the child is easier and without tears and whims will come out of a stressful situation for him, unpacking gifts. Having received modest boxes in large numbers, the preschooler will understand that he is not forgotten and he is loved.

What to present to the girl at a lack of money

She knows well that the gift horse does not look in the mouth. The meaning of this statement is well known to her. However, hidden disappointment is quite possible, if she does not reflect on the material situation of the student boy, who is still only a little bit of a moonlighting and can not bear a diamond ring for his birthday. To get out of this situation, a young man will be helped by some playful toy in a large bright box with a bow and an enclosed postcard with a rhymed inscription, confetti, etc.

Modern schoolchildren

That's really who wants to show off before classmates with his new, latest model smartphone! It is important for them that everyone says how cool this is! Girls and boys beg for money from their parents, whine and moan so that there is no strength to endure all this. Normal parents, giving a teenager money, will necessarily remember that the gift horse in the mouth does not look. The child remembers the importance from childhood, and in school in the fourth grade on the shelves dismantled this proverb. But now children basically understand how hard money is earned, and do not overestimate their demands.

Expensive or cheap

If you want to give a gift to an unfamiliar person, then there is nothing shameful in that the present will be inexpensive. A key ring, a name tea spoon, or an elegant souvenir with a zodiac sign is quite an option. Serious people perfectly understand that the gift horse in the mouth does not look. The meaning and meaning of the gift are clear - a manifestation of attention, courtesy.

And here about relatives, especially elderly relatives, it is necessary to think carefully. Recall their desires, which they seem to have expressed in passing, and do not offend a completely unnecessary thing. You can even find out in advance what they would like to receive, to save money and to please their loved ones. A surprise in this case will be your choice of color and model of the desired thing.

A gift is considered, and how, but only when the donor has already left. Otherwise, you can hurt a person very much and get nothing from him.