[written]

[keepsthelight]

I have come across a few strange phrases in the books I've read here. They're a little like the ones my guards use back home, except I haven't had many opportunities to discern their meaning. [She pauses for a moment, before resuming.]"Never look a gift horse in the mouth." Is it dangerous to approach one, perhaps

Comments

[ written ]

[etudism]

It isn't dangerous to approach a horse, although some are known to kick when you approach them in a way they deem dangerous or suspicious, like from behind. But if you approach a horse from the front it should be okay.

The proverb means you should not be overly critical or ungrateful about a gift you got. There's more of a story behind the choice of words for this proverb, though.

[ written ]

[keepsthelight]

[Oh!!] Thank you! Do you know the story behind it?

[ written ]

[etudism]

It is a custom for horse sellers and buyers to look a horse in the mouth to determine whether it's a good horse to buy or not - considering they can tell the horse's age from its teeth. That's why you shouldn't look a gifted horse in the mouth, since you're trying to establish your gift's quality that way.

[ written ]

[keepsthelight]

Oh I see, and to do so would be rude to the one who gave you the gift in the first place. [SO HELPFUL KOTOMI!] Thank you very much! I truly enjoy learning new things.

[ written ]

[etudism]

It's okay. I am the same, since learning new things is really interesting.. and it's really nice to see where all those different sayings come from.