reviewReviewchevron down
Interactions /

Gratitude & Ingratitude

1 / 7
Exit
1-
to thank one's lucky stars
2-
to count one's blessings
3-
to bite the hand that feed somebody
4-
to look a gift horse in the mouth
5-
to make something count
6-
to put in a (good) word for somebody
7-
to take somebody or something for granted
to thank one's lucky stars
Spelling
Close
Sign in
flag
/θˈæŋk wˈʌnz lˈʌki stˈɑːɹz/
phraseIdiomInformal

to feel really grateful, particularly because something dangerous or unpleasant did not happen

example
Example
click on words
After narrowly avoiding a car accident, she thanked her lucky stars that she had been paying attention to the road.
The hiker, lost in the wilderness, thanked her lucky stars when a rescue team found her just in time.
She thanked her lucky stars that she had packed an umbrella when it started raining during her outdoor event.
What is the origin of the idiom "thank one's lucky stars" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "thank one's lucky stars" can be traced back to the ancient belief in the influence of celestial bodies, such as stars and planets, on human affairs. In astrology and ancient cultures, stars were often associated with luck, destiny, and fortune. People believed that the positions of the stars at the time of their birth or during significant events could affect their fate. Over time, this belief evolved into the figurative expression "thank one's lucky stars," which is commonly used in personal conversations, especially when individuals feel relieved or appreciative of a lucky break or when they acknowledge that things could have turned out much worse.

to [thank] {one's} lucky stars
to count one's blessings
Spelling
Close
Sign in
flag
/kˈaʊnt wˈʌnz blˈɛsɪŋz/
phraseIdiom

to try to appreciate and cherish all the good things one has in one's life

example
Example
click on words
She advised her friend to count his blessings and appreciate the supportive people in his life.
As Thanksgiving approached, she took a moment to count her blessings and realized how much she had to be thankful for.
At the end of each day, he made it a habit to count his blessings and find reasons to be grateful.
What is the origin of the idiom "count one's blessings" and when to use it?

The idiom "count one's blessings" finds its origin in various cultural and religious traditions that emphasize the practice of gratitude. While it does not have a specific documented origin, it reflects a universal human sentiment dating back centuries. In many cultures, counting one's blessings is a way to encourage people to recognize and appreciate the positive aspects of life, even during difficult times. It is often used in personal conversations and self-reflection, such as when someone is facing adversity and needs to shift their focus toward the positive aspects of their life.

to [count] {one's} blessings
to bite the hand that feed somebody
Spelling
Close
Sign in
flag
/bˈaɪt ðə hˈænd ðæt fˈiːd ˌɛsbˈiː/
phraseIdiom

to be ungrateful to the person who has helped one by mistreating or betraying them

example
Example
click on words
After his parents sacrificed so much to support his education, he bit the hand that fed him by dropping out of school.
When the mayor turned against the political party that had backed him for years, he was accused of biting the hand that fed him.
Despite receiving financial aid from the organization, the activist bit the hand that fed her by criticizing its methods publicly.
What is the origin of the idiom "bite the hand that feeds someone" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "bite the hand that feeds someone" is rooted in the behavior of animals, particularly dogs. Dogs, when fed and cared for by a person, are generally loyal and protective of that person. However, in some cases, a dog might react aggressively or ungratefully, biting the hand of the person who provides for it. This literal scenario, where an animal turns against its benefactor, has been metaphorically extended to human behavior. As an idiomatic expression, this phrase can be used in personal relationships to describe situations where someone betrays or mistreats a friend, family member, or benefactor who has been helping them.

to [bite] the hand that [feed] {sb}
to look a gift horse in the mouth
Spelling
Close
Sign in
flag
/lˈʊk ɐ ɡˈɪft hˈɔːɹs ɪnðə mˈaʊθ/
phraseIdiomInformal

to look for faults in a gift, favor, or opportunity that has been given to one, in a way that shows ingratitude

example
Example
click on words
Instead of scrutinizing the conditions of the free vacation package, she chose not to look a gift horse in the mouth and immediately started planning her trip.
He was thrilled to get a surprise bonus at work and didn't want to risk looking a gift horse in the mouth by asking too many questions about it.
Despite the outdated design of the free computer she received, she knew better than to look a gift horse in the mouth and was grateful for the gift.
What is the origin of the idiom "look a gift horse in the mouth" and when to use it?

The idiom "look a gift horse in the mouth" comes from a time when horses were valuable and often given as gifts. People would check a horse's teeth to see how old and healthy it was. If you received a horse as a gift, it was considered impolite to immediately check its teeth because it showed you were questioning the gift's quality. So, the phrase means you should not be too critical when you receive something as a gift; instead, be grateful for the gesture. It is often used in personal relationships, such as when someone receives a thoughtful present or assistance from a friend, family member, or colleague.

to [look] a gift horse in the mouth
to make something count
Spelling
Close
Sign in
flag
/mˌeɪk ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ kˈaʊnt/
phraseIdiom

to use something in the most effective or productive way

example
Example
click on words
With only one shot left in the competition, he knew he had to make it count to win the gold medal.
In their relationship, they both wanted to make every moment count and create lasting memories together.
Examining the document, I make the word count to be 500.
What is the origin of the idiom "make something count" and when to use it?

The idiom "make something count" has its origin in the idea of ensuring that our actions have value and significance. It serves as a reminder that when we do something, we should do it with purpose and make sure it leads to a meaningful result. Instead of just going through the motions or doing things without thinking. It is frequently used in personal and professional settings, such as when discussing work projects, academic endeavors, athletic competitions, or even personal goals.

to [make] {sth} count
to put in a (good) word for somebody
Spelling
Close
Sign in
flag
/pˌʊt ɪn ɐ ɡˈʊd wˈɜːd fɔːɹ ˌɛsbˈiː/
phraseIdiom

to talk highly of someone as a way of helping them get an advantage, such as succeeding in a job interview

example
Example
click on words
Knowing the importance of referrals, the employee asked his supervisor to put in a good word for him with the senior management team.
What is the origin of the idiom "put in a word for someone" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "put in a word for someone" can be traced back to the idea of using words as a form of influence or recommendation. It likely emerged from the practice of people using their spoken or written words to vouch for someone's character or abilities. In social and professional contexts, individuals would verbally advocate for others, emphasizing their qualifications or suitability for a particular role or opportunity. This phrase is typically used in various contexts and occasions where one person seeks to support or assist another person by recommending them to their acquaintances.

to [put] in a (good|) word for {sb}
to take somebody or something for granted
Spelling
Close
Sign in
flag
/tˈeɪk ˌɛsbˈiː slˈæʃ ˌɛstˌiːˈeɪtʃ fɔːɹ ɡɹˈæntᵻd/
phraseIdiom

to not appreciate a person or thing because one thinks one will never lose them

example
Example
click on words
I suppose I just took it for granted that they were married.
It's easy to take our health for granted, but blessings brighten as they take their flight, and we don't realize how much we had until it's gone.
You just take it for granted that people over a certain age can drive.
What is the origin of the idiom "take someone or something for granted" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "take someone or something for granted" can be traced to the idea of assuming that certain people or things will always be present or readily available, leading to a lack of appreciation for their true value. This concept is deeply rooted in human psychology and behavior, where individuals tend to become accustomed to the familiar and may overlook or neglect to acknowledge the significance of things that are constant in their lives. it is commonly used in a variety of contexts and occasions where individuals want to emphasize the importance of appreciating the people or things in their lives.

to [take] {sb/sth} for granted
pattern

Congratulations! !

You learned 7 words from Gratitude & Ingratitude. To improve learning and review vocabulary, start practicing.

review-disable

Review

flashcard-disable

Flashcards

quiz-disable

Quiz

practice