# gift that keeps on giving

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/gift-that-keeps-on-giving
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.

## Examples

- This new coffee machine is the gift that keeps on giving.
- Learning a second language is truly the gift that keeps on giving for your career and travel plans.
- The unexpected inheritance proved to be the gift that keeps on giving, providing the family with financial security for several generations.

## Origin

The disease sense is by irony. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.