PhrasesHub

Bite the hand that feeds you

    Definitions

      • betray someone
        To harm or act against someone who has been kind or helpful to you, often resulting in negative consequences for yourself

      • show ingratitude
        To reject or turn against someone or something that has been a source of support or sustenance, often without considering the consequences

    Examples of Bite the hand that feeds you

    • The actor was extremely grateful for the opportunities he received from his studio, but when he demanded a higher salary, the studio executives felt like he was biting the hand that fed him.

      This idiom means to turn against or betray someone who has been helping or supporting you. It comes from the idea that biting someone's hand would be a foolish and self-destructive act, as the person providing you with food or support is also the one who can take it away.

    • The student had been receiving excellent grades in her math class, but when she started skipping lectures and neglecting her homework, her teacher felt like she was biting the hand that fed her.

      This idiom can be used to describe someone who is taking advantage of the kindness or generosity of others, and then turning against them. It can also be used to describe someone who is being ungrateful or disrespectful towards the people who have helped them succeed.

    • The athlete had been working hard to earn a spot on the team, but when he started criticizing the coach and his teammates, his teammates felt like he was biting the hand that fed him.

      This idiom can be used to describe someone who is being disloyal or ungrateful towards the people who have helped them achieve their goals. It can also be used to describe someone who is being uncooperative or difficult to work with, which can ultimately harm their own chances of success.

    • The politician had been receiving a lot of support from his constituents, but when he started ignoring their concerns and prioritizing his own interests, his constituents felt like he was biting the hand that fed him.

      This idiom can be used to describe someone who is being selfish or disconnected from the people who have helped them achieve their position of power. It can also be used to describe someone who is taking their support for granted, and failing to recognize the importance of the people who have helped them succeed.


    Conclusion

    "Bite the hand that feeds you" is a figurative expression that refers to acting against someone who has been supportive or helpful to you. It can be used to describe betrayal or ingratitude, both of which involve turning against someone who has provided for you in some way. This idiom suggests that such actions are not only harmful to the other person, but also ultimately detrimental to oneself.

    The phrase can also be used to caution someone against acting in a way that would harm their own interests, such as going against a benefactor or source of support. It serves as a warning that such actions may lead to negative consequences or backlash.

    Origin of "Bite the hand that feeds you"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to ancient Greece, where the philosopher Socrates is said to have used the phrase "bite the hand that feeds you" in one of his dialogues. The exact meaning and context of his usage is unclear, but it is believed that he used it to describe the act of harming or turning against someone who has been kind to you.

    In modern times, the idiom gained popularity through its use in literature and other forms of media. It is often used in a cautionary or warning sense, emphasizing the consequences of betraying or showing ingratitude towards someone who has provided for you. The phrase has also been used to describe political situations, where a person or group turns against their allies or supporters. Overall, the idiom highlights the importance of being grateful for the support and kindness of others, and the consequences of betraying or rejecting such support.