Bite the hand that feeds you
phrase
To act badly towards the person who is helping or has helped you.
She was always rude to her tutor, it's like she was biting the hand that feeds her.
Often appears as...
- don't bite the hand that feeds you
- biting the hand that feeds you
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
To act badly towards the person who is helping or has helped you.
She was always rude to her tutor, it's like she was biting the hand that feeds her.
Often appears as...
- don't bite the hand that feeds you
- biting the hand that feeds you
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Use With Caution
This phrase often has a negative connotation, implying ingratitude or disloyalty.
He criticized his mentor publicly, truly biting the hand that feeds him.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Meaning
Understand that it's a metaphor about damaging relationships with a benefactor.
By leaking company secrets, she's biting the hand that feeds her.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-Literal
Remember, 'biting' and 'feeding' are not physical here but represent actions and support.
Talking back to his supporters, he didn't realize he was biting the hand that feeds him.
Pro Tip 1/3Use With Caution
This phrase often has a negative connotation, implying ingratitude or disloyalty.
He criticized his mentor publicly, truly biting the hand that feeds him.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Meaning
Understand that it's a metaphor about damaging relationships with a benefactor.
By leaking company secrets, she's biting the hand that feeds her.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-Literal
Remember, 'biting' and 'feeding' are not physical here but represent actions and support.
Talking back to his supporters, he didn't realize he was biting the hand that feeds him.
Pro Tip 1/3Use With Caution
This phrase often has a negative connotation, implying ingratitude or disloyalty.
He criticized his mentor publicly, truly biting the hand that feeds him.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Meaning
Understand that it's a metaphor about damaging relationships with a benefactor.
By leaking company secrets, she's biting the hand that feeds her.
Pro Tip 3/3Non-Literal
Remember, 'biting' and 'feeding' are not physical here but represent actions and support.
Talking back to his supporters, he didn't realize he was biting the hand that feeds him.
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