Gratitude & Ingratitude

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

After his parents sacrificed so much to support his education, he bit the hand that fed him by dropping out of school.

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

When his neighbor offered a ride to the airport, he decided not to look a gift horse in the mouth and gladly accepted the help.

to use something in the most effective or productive way

As the team captain, she urged her teammates to make every play count in the championship game.

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

She decided to put in a good word for her talented friend when the company had a job opening in the marketing department.

to assume without question that something is true

I took it for granted that my car would start every morning until it finally broke down.