PhrasesHub

Don't bite the hand that feeds you

    Definitions

      • show gratitude
        Express gratitude towards someone who has helped or provided for you, acknowledging that you would not be able to survive or succeed without their support

      • loyalty
        Demonstrate loyalty and appreciation towards someone who has been kind and generous towards you, acknowledging that you will not betray or turn against them despite any difficulties or challenges

      • caution
        Warn against being ungrateful or disrespectful towards someone who has been supporting or providing for you, reminding that their kindness and generosity should not be taken for granted

    Examples of Don't bite the hand that feeds you

    • Despite the fact that my boss has been providing me with excellent opportunities and promotions, I've noticed some negative comments and actions towards him lately. I'm afraid I might be "biting the hand that feeds me" if I continue down this path.

      The idiom "don't bite the hand that feeds you" means to not show gratitude or appreciation to someone who has been helping or supporting you. In this example, the speaker is acknowledging that their boss has been benefiting them, but they are also aware that they may be harming their relationship with their boss by being critical or ungrateful. The speaker is expressing concern that they might be "biting the hand that feeds them" by continuing to act negatively towards their boss.


    Conclusion

    "Don't bite the hand that feeds you" is a commonly used idiom that carries multiple meanings. It can be used to show gratitude towards someone who has helped or provided for you, express loyalty towards them, or caution against being ungrateful or disrespectful towards them.

    The first meaning of the idiom is to express gratitude towards someone who has helped or provided for you. This could be in the form of financial support, emotional support, or any other form of assistance. By acknowledging that the person is the one who has been providing for you, you are showing your appreciation and gratitude towards them.

    The second meaning of the idiom is to demonstrate loyalty towards someone who has been kind and generous towards you. This is often used in situations where the person has been supporting or providing for you in a consistent and reliable manner. By acknowledging that you would not betray or turn against them, you are showing your loyalty and commitment towards them.

    The third meaning of the idiom is to caution against being ungrateful or disrespectful towards someone who has been supporting or providing for you. This is a reminder that their kindness and generosity should not be taken for granted and that you should not act in a way that would harm or offend them.

    Origin of "Don't bite the hand that feeds you"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to Aesop's fable "The Dog and the Wolf." In the fable, a dog who is being fed by a farmer sees a wolf who is hungry and advises him not to bite the hand that feeds him. The moral of the story is that one should not harm or turn against someone who has been providing for them.

    This idiom has also been used in various forms in different cultures and languages, such as "don't kill the goose that lays the golden eggs" in English and "don't spit in the well you drink from" in Chinese. It emphasizes the importance of showing gratitude and appreciation towards those who have helped or supported us.

    Today, "don't bite the hand that feeds you" is often used as a cautionary phrase to remind people to be grateful and respectful towards those who have been supporting them, whether it be in personal relationships or in a professional setting.