ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gift that keeps on giving

idiom
Meaning

Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.


Origin

disputed origin

The disease sense is by irony.

Examples
SIMPLE

This new coffee machine is the gift that keeps on giving.

CONTEXTUAL

Learning a second language is truly the gift that keeps on giving for your career and travel plans.

COMPLEX

The unexpected inheritance proved to be the gift that keeps on giving, providing the family with financial security for several generations.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    gift from above

    Synonym of gift from the gods.

  2. 02

    gift from heaven

    Synonym of gift from the gods.

  3. 03

    gift from the goddesses

    Synonym of gift from the gods.

  4. 04

    gift from the heavens

    Synonym of gift from the gods.

  5. 05

    gift horse

    An apparent gift, that has substantial associated costs or drawbacks, especially a gift that does not fit perfectly with the recipient's wants or needs.

  6. 06

    gift of the gab

    The ability to talk readily, glibly, and convincingly, especially on trivial matters and small talk.

  7. 07

    God's gift

    Said of someone with an inflated sense of self-importance, or (occasionally) something that is overvalued.

  8. 08

    God's gift to men

    Someone irresistible to men: someone whom all men find attractive; (often) someone ironically described as such.

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