Дареному коню в зубы не смотрят
дареному коню в зубы не смотрят
Don't look a gift horse in the mouth
Significado
Don't criticize a gift.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'Халява' (Khalyava) — getting something for free — is a major part of Russian folklore and modern life. This proverb acts as the 'moral brake' on the desire for perfect freebies. During times of deficit, people often 're-gifted' items (передарки). This proverb was essential for maintaining social harmony when everyone knew the gift might have been in three other houses first. Horses were considered sacred and almost part of the family. To insult a gifted horse was to insult the family's honor. Used frequently in app store reviews and gaming forums to silence 'entitled' users who complain about free-to-play content.
The 'Giver' Trap
Never use this phrase when talking to the person who gave you the gift. It's a huge insult!
Shorten it
In casual speech, just say 'Дареному коню...' and trail off. It sounds more native.
Significado
Don't criticize a gift.
The 'Giver' Trap
Never use this phrase when talking to the person who gave you the gift. It's a huge insult!
Shorten it
In casual speech, just say 'Дареному коню...' and trail off. It sounds more native.
Irony Alert
You can use this sarcastically for 'gifts' that are actually burdens, like extra work.
Teste-se
Complete the proverb with the correct word in the correct case.
Дареному ____ в зубы не смотрят.
The noun must be in the Dative case after the adjective 'дареному'.
In which situation is it appropriate to say 'Дареному коню в зубы не смотрят'?
Your friend gives you his old laptop for free, but the battery only lasts 10 minutes.
You should use it to remind yourself to be grateful, but never say it to the giver.
Choose the best response.
— Этот бесплатный кофе в офисе просто ужасный! — ____
The proverb is a perfect response to someone complaining about something free.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
3 exerciciosДареному ____ в зубы не смотрят.
The noun must be in the Dative case after the adjective 'дареному'.
Your friend gives you his old laptop for free, but the battery only lasts 10 minutes.
You should use it to remind yourself to be grateful, but never say it to the giver.
— Этот бесплатный кофе в офисе просто ужасный! — ____
The proverb is a perfect response to someone complaining about something free.
🎉 Pontuação: /3
Perguntas frequentes
4 perguntasYes, absolutely! It is one of the most common proverbs in modern Russian, used for everything from birthday gifts to software updates.
Yes, if you are discussing minor perks or free resources, but keep it lighthearted.
Because it's in the Dative case, which is used for the object of the 'looking' action in this specific construction.
The slang 'На халяву и уксус сладкий' is the modern, more cynical cousin of this proverb.
Frases relacionadas
На халяву и уксус сладкий
similarWhen something is free, even vinegar tastes sweet.
Бесплатный сыр бывает только в мышеловке
contrastFree cheese is only in a mousetrap.
Дорого не то, что дорого, а то, что дорого сердцу
builds onWhat is dear is not what is expensive, but what is dear to the heart.
