gift
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Related to gifted: Gifted children
God's gift to man
1. Something or someone that is considered a benefit to all of mankind. Artistic expression is truly God's gift to man. Jonathan has such an inflated ego, like he's God's gift to man or something.
2. Someone who is or is considered to be extremely attractive and/or irresistible to men. Walking down the red carpet in a stunning black dress, she looked like God's gift to man.
God's gift to mankind
1. Something or someone that is considered a benefit to all of mankind. Artistic expression is truly God's gift to mankind. Jonathan has such an inflated ego, like he's God's gift to mankind or something.
2. Someone who is or is considered to be extremely attractive and/or irresistible to men. Walking down the red carpet in a stunning black dress, she looked like God's gift to mankind.
don't look a gift horse in the mouth
If you receive a gift, do so graciously, without voicing criticisms. The saying is attributed to St. Jerome and refers to the practice of looking at a horse's teeth to determine its age. I know Aunt Jean isn't your favorite person, but she gave you that beautiful sweater as a present, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth! A: "But I don't want this ancient car!" B: "Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, OK? You're so lucky to get a car for free!"
God's gift to women
A humorous or derisive phrase used to describe a man who sees himself as very attractive and appealing to women. Mark may think that he's God's gift to women, but I know that he hasn't been on a date in months! I can't stand these arrogant guys who keep coming up to me and acting like they're God's gift to women!
never look a gift horse in the mouth
If you receive a gift, do so graciously, without voicing criticisms. The saying is attributed to St. Jerome and refers to the practice of looking at a horse's teeth to determine its age. I know Aunt Jean isn't your favorite person, but she gave you that beautiful sweater as a present, and you should never look a gift horse in the mouth! A: "But I don't want this ancient car!" B: "Never look a gift horse in the mouth, OK? You're so lucky to get a car for free!"
beware of Greeks bearing gifts
Be skeptical of a present or kindness from an enemy. The phrase refers to the Trojan horse, a gift to the Trojans from which Greek soldiers emerged and conquered Troy. A: "I can't believe the opposing team made us cupcakes before the big game!" B: "Yeah, I'd beware of Greeks bearing gifts if I were you."
the gift of (the) gab
The ability to speak to others in a self-assured, persuasive manner. Alexis really has the gift of gab, so she should be the one to address the potential investors.
look a gift horse in the mouth
To show a lack of appreciation or gratitude when receiving a gift. The saying is attributed to St. Jerome and refers to the practice of looking at a horse's teeth to determine its age. It is often used in the negative to mean the opposite. I know Aunt Jean isn't your favorite person, but she gave you that beautiful sweater as a present, so don't look a gift horse in the mouth! A: "But I don't want this ancient car!" B: "I can't believe you're looking a gift horse in the mouth, especially since you can't afford to buy a car on your own!"
God's gift to (something)
A phrase used when someone excels (or believes they excel) in a particular area (which is stated after "to"). He may think that he's God's gift to painting, but critics have found his work to be very derivative.
See also: gift
in the gift of (someone)
antiquated Down to a specific person's authority, intention, or inclination to distribute or award. These titles of nobility are in the gift of the monarch, rather than being determined by birthright.
the gift of tongues
The ability to speak foreign languages one has never learned, one of the miracles of the Holy Spirit. The Vatican is sending a team of priests fluent in over 30 languages to investigate whether a woman truly has the gift of tongues.
Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.
Prov. Do not trust an opponent who offers to do something nice for you. (A line from the story of the Trojan horse, as told in Vergil's Aeneid.) Jill: I can't believe Melanie brought me cookies today, when we've been fighting for weeks. Jane: Beware of Greeks bearing gifts. She probably has ulterior motives. When the rival company invited all his employees to a Christmas party, Tom's first impulse was to beware of Greeks bearing gifts, but then he upbraided himself for being paranoid.
free gift
something extra given to you when you buy something else. When you order your magazine subscription, this book is yours to keep as our free gift. This canvas tote is a free gift for everyone who opens an account at our bank today!
God's gift (to women)
Fig. a desirable or perfect man. (Usually sarcastic.) Tom thinks he's God's gift to women, but if the truth were known, they laugh at him behind his back. He acted like he was God's gift and I should be real grateful to be going out with him.
See also: gift
have a gift for (doing) something
Fig. to have a natural talent for doing something. Tony has a gift for writing short stories. Sharon has a gift for dealing with animals.
have the gift of gab
and have a gift for gabFig. to have a great facility with language; to be able to use language very effectively. (See also have a way with words.) My brother really has the gift of gab. He can convince anyone of anything. I don't talk a lot. I just don't have the gift for gab.
look a gift horse in the mouth
Fig. to be ungrateful to someone who gives you something; to treat someone who gives you a gift badly. (Usually with a negative.) Never look a gift horse in the mouth. I advise you not to look a gift horse in the mouth.
get a fix
Obtain a needed dose of something, especially but not necessarily a narcotic drug. For example, Heroin addicts will do anything to get their fix, or Chris referred to her daily swim in the pool as her chlorine fix. The noun fix has been used for a narcotic dose since the 1930s, and was extended to other compulsively sought things about two decades later. Also see get a fix on.
gift of gab
Talent for verbal fluency, especially the ability to talk persuasively. For example, His gift of gab made him a wonderful salesman. [Late 1700s]
look a gift horse in the mouth
Be critical or suspicious of something received at no cost. For example, Dad's old car is full of dents, but we shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. This term, generally expressed as a cautionary proverb ( Don't look a gift horse in the mouth), has been traced to the writings of the 4th-century cleric, St. Jerome, and has appeared in English since about 1500. It alludes to determining the age of a horse by looking at its teeth.
the gift of the gab
BRITISH orthe gift of gab
AMERICANIf someone has the gift of the gab, they are able to speak confidently, clearly, and in a persuasive way. He was entertaining company and certainly had the gift of the gab. Thompson has the gift of the gab and is a born communicator. He was a pleasant little man with spiked hair, a black pipe, and a great gift of gab. Note: This expression may be related to the Irish and Gaelic word `gab', which means mouth.
don't look a gift horse in the mouth
ornever look a gift horse in the mouth
If you say don't look a gift horse in the mouth or never look a gift horse in the mouth, you mean that you should accept something that is offered to you, or take advantage of an opportunity, and not try to find faults or difficulties. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth — it may be the opportunity you've been waiting for. Never look a gift horse in the mouth or you may regret it. Note: This expression refers to the fact that you can judge the age of a horse by looking at its teeth.
God's gift to something
If someone is God's gift to something, they are extremely skilled at it. This man is God's gift to ballet. She clearly thinks she's God's gift to broadcasting.
God's gift to women
orGod's gift
INFORMALIf a man thinks he is God's gift to women or God's gift, he behaves as if all women find him very attractive. A man has recently come to work in my office who obviously thinks he is God's gift to women. Note: You use this expression in a disapproving way.
the gift of the gab
the ability to speak with eloquence and fluency.Gab , dating from the late 18th century, was an informal word for ‘conversation or chatter’. In Scotland it was associated with gab , an early 18th-century dialect variant of gob meaning ‘the mouth’.
in the gift of
(of a church living or official appointment) in the power of someone to award.look a gift horse in the mouth
find fault with what has been given or be ungrateful for an opportunity.The Latin version of the proverb don't look a gift horse in the mouth (noli…equi dentes inspicere donati ) was known to St Jerome in the early 5th century ad. The 16th-century English form was do not look a given horse in the mouth .
1998 New Scientist The JAMA paper offers this advice to researchers involved in industry-funded studies: ‘At times it may be prudent… to look a gift horse in the mouth’.
God's (own) gift to —
the ideal or best possible person or thing for someone or something (used chiefly ironically or in negative statements). 1998 Spectator Their [the English] hooligans, their pressmen, hell, even their footballers behave as if they were God's own gift to sport.
See also: gift
beware (or fear) the Greeks bearing gifts
if rivals or enemies show apparent generosity or kindness, you should be suspicious of their motives. proverbThis proverb refers to the Trojan priest Laocoon's warning in Virgil 's Aeneid: ‘timeo Danaos et dona ferentes ’, in which he warns his countrymen against taking into their city the gigantic wooden horse that the Greeks have left behind on their apparent departure. The fall of Troy results from their failure to heed this warning.
the gift of tongues
the power of speaking in unknown languages, regarded as one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit.When the disciples of Jesus were filled with the Holy Spirit after Pentecost (Acts 2:1–4), the gift of tongues was one of the ways in which this phenomenon manifested itself; compare with speak in tongues (at speak).
the gift of the ˈgab
(British English) (American English a gift of/for ˈgab) (informal, sometimes disapproving) the ability to speak easily and to persuade other people with your words: To be a successful sales executive you need the gift of the gab. Gab is possibly from the Irish word for mouth. The Irish have a reputation as good talkers.(not) look a ˌgift horse in the ˈmouth
(informal) (not) find something wrong with something given to you free: He didn’t want to accept the offer of a free meal but I told him not to look a gift horse in the mouth.The usual way to judge the age of a horse is to look at its teeth.God’s gift (to somebody/something)
(ironic) a person who thinks that they are particularly good at something or who thinks that somebody will find them particularly attractive: He seems to think he’s God’s gift to women.See also: gift
get a fix
and get a gift tv. to buy drugs; to take a dose of drugs. (Drugs.) Gert had to get home and get a fix.
get a gift
verbSee get a fix
the gift of gab
n. the ability to speak well in public; the ability to persuade people verbally; the ability to speak well extemporaneously. I wish I had the gift of gab. I’m just so shy.
look a gift horse in the mouth
To be critical or suspicious of something one has received without expense.
gift horse
Something obtained at no charge, but not without an ultimate cost. According to legend, it was Odysseus who devised the scheme of leaving a huge wooden horse in front of the gates of Troy, which the Greeks were unable to conquer (the losing side of a war traditionally left a gift for the victors). The Trojans watched the Greeks depart then dragged the horse inside their walls. Soldiers who had been hiding inside the horse surreptitiously opened the gates, the Greeks stole back inside the gates, and the rest is history. The cautionary expression “beware Greeks bearing gift” is based on the legend, as is the phrase “gift horse.” Stated another way, there ain't no free lunch