I was thinking about the phrase 'The pot calling the kettle black'. It comes from a time where cooking was done over open fires and cookware would become visibly ashy. (Fun fact: It first appears and was perhaps coined by Cervantes in Don Quixote!)

What are some other idioms that have lost their literal connection to time? What would be a good modern replacement?

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[–] 1 point 3 hours ago

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Don't check the dipstick of a gifted car.

They have the same meaning that you're trying see if the horse is healthy and the car's engine is in good condition.

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