Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
The Italian proverb “A caval donato non si guarda in bocca” (in Latin: Noli equi dentes inspicere donati) is a well-known saying that has permeated various cultures around the world. Its origins can be traced back to a Latin quote attributed to Saint Jerome. The proverb holds significant meaning and reflects a cultural attitude towards gratitude and manners.
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Literal Meaning and Interpretation
The literal translation of “A caval donato non si guarda in bocca” is “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”. This phrase encapsulates the idea that one should not be critical or overly analytical of a gift they have received. The underlying sentiment is that receiving a gift is a gesture of goodwill, and it would be impolite or ungrateful to scrutinize its quality or value excessively.
Historical Context and Origin
The origin of this proverb is credited to Saint Jerome in his work, Commentariorum In Epistolam Beati Pauli Ad Ephesios. The proverb’s rationale is derived from the practice of estimating a horse’s age, and hence its value, by examining its teeth. In historical contexts, a younger horse was often considered more valuable than an older one. Therefore, the saying implies that when receiving a horse as a gift, one should refrain from evaluating its age or worth, as it is the gesture of giving that holds true value.
| Language | Local Version | Key Imagery |
| Latin | Noli equi dentes inspicere donati | Do not inspect the horse’s teeth |
| Italian | A caval donato non si guarda in bocca | Don’t look in the mouth |
| Spanish | A caballo regalado no le mires el diente | Don’t look at the tooth |
| German | Einem geschenkten Gaul schaut man nicht ins Maul | Don’t look in the muzzle |
| Russian | Дареному коню в зубы не смотрят | They don’t look at the teeth |
International Versions
This proverb has been adopted and adapted into various languages and cultures, demonstrating its universal appeal and relevance. Some international versions include:
Bulgarian: На харизан кон зъбите не се гледат.
Corsican: À cavaddu dunatu, un fidià denti
Croatian: Poklonjenom konju se ne gleda u zube
Dutch: Een gegeven paard moet je niet in de bek kijken
English: Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth
French: À cheval donné on ne regarde pas les dents
German: Einem geschenkten Gaul schaut man nicht ins Maul
Greek: σου χαρίζαν γάιδαρο και τον κοίταζες στα δόντια
Hungarian: Ajándék lónak ne nézd a fogát
Lithuanian: Į dovanoto arklio dantis nežiūrima
Polish: Darowanemu koniowi nie zagląda się w zęby
Portuguese: Em cavalo dado não se olha os dentes.
Romanian: Calul de căpătat nu se caută la dinți
Russian: дареному коню в зубы не смотрят
Spanish: A caballo regalado no le mires el dentado/diente
Swedish: Skåda inte en given häst i munnen
Ukrainian: дарованому коневі зубів не лічать; дар – не купля: не гудять, а хвалять
What You Need to Know About the Gift Horse Proverb
Who first said "don't look a gift horse in the mouth"?
The phrase is attributed to Saint Jerome, a 4th-century scholar, in his commentary on the Epistle to the Ephesians. He recorded it as a common saying even during his time.
Why shouldn't you look at a horse's teeth?
Historically, a horse’s age and health are determined by its dental wear and shape. Checking the teeth of a gifted horse was seen as an insulting attempt to verify if the animal was a “bargain” or near the end of its life.
What is the moral of the proverb "A caval donato"?
The core message is that gratitude should outweigh criticism. When someone offers a gesture of goodwill, evaluating the monetary value or flaws of the gift is considered bad manners.
Source: wikipedia
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