Hay is for horses: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Hay is for horses” mean?

"Hay is for horses" means a phrase used to remind someone not to complain about or question the quality or purpose of something that is being given to them for free.

What context can I use the in?

Example

Stop complaining about the food, remember, hay is for horses.

Example

You can't be picky when it comes to freebies, just remember, hay is for horses.

Example

Don't question the quality of the hand-me-down clothes, hay is for horses

Is “Hay is for horses” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Hay is for horses” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Hay is for horses” effectively in context?

You can use "Hay is for horses" to remind someone not to complain about or question the quality or purpose of something that is being given to them for free. For example, if a friend is complaining about the food at a party, you might say, 'Stop complaining about the food, remember, hay is for horses.'

• 1. Food

  You can't be picky when it comes to freebies, just remember, hay is for horses.

• 2. Clothing

  Don't question the quality of the hand-me-down clothes, hay is for horses.

• 3. Gifts

  She received a free gift and started complaining about its size. Her friend reminded her, hay is for horses.

Similar phrases to “Hay is for horses”:

Beggars can't be choosers

People who are in a position of need or dependence should not be too selective or demanding

Example

You can't complain about the free food they're giving you. Beggars can't be choosers.

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth

Do not criticize or question the value of a gift or favor

Example

He received a free ticket to the concert and started complaining about the seats. His friend reminded him, don't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Take what you can get

Accept and appreciate whatever is available or offered

Example

You may not love the job, but in this economy, you should take what you can get.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Hay is for horses” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Hay is for horses" is unknown.

Is “Hay is for horses” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Hay is for horses" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to playfully remind someone not to complain or be ungrateful for something that is being given to them for free.

What tone does “Hay is for horses” have?

"Hay is for horses" conveys a light-hearted and playful tone. It is typically used in a friendly and humorous manner to gently discourage complaining or questioning the value of something that is being provided at no cost.

Can “Hay is for horses” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "hay is for horses" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a casual expression that is commonly used in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues. However, it may be more appropriate to use in informal situations rather than formal or professional settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Stop complaining, hay is for horses.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Hay is for horses!' to playfully remind someone not to complain.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• don't complain
• don't be ungrateful
• don't question the gift
• don't look for faults

Antonyms

• express gratitude
• appreciate what you have
• give thanks
• acknowledge the generosity