Bite the hand that feed

Meaning

The idiom "bite the hand that feeds" is a powerful statement that means to act against someone who supports or provides for you. It suggests that you will spite your benefactor and show them ingratitude. The phrase has its roots in ancient literature, where it was used to describe characters who betrayed their patrons.

The literal meaning of the idiom is to harm or offend someone who supports or provides for you. It's a metaphorical statement that suggests you are showing ingratitude and refusing to acknowledge the support you have received.

Usage

• "Despite everything, he still supports my cause, but I won't bite the hand that feeds me." - This sentence means the speaker acknowledges their benefactor's support but has decided not to show gratitude.
• "I can't believe she bit the hand that fed her," - This sentence suggests the speaker is shocked that someone would betray their benefactor and be ingrateful.
• "The company offered me a promotion, but I refused because I don't want to bite the hand that feeds me." - This sentence means the speaker is refusing an opportunity because they don't want to betray their current employer.
• "I know my parents will always be there for me, even when I feel like biting the hand that feeds me," - This sentence suggests that despite feeling ungrateful, the speaker acknowledges their benefactor's support and gratitude.
• "I used to think he was a good friend, but then I realized that I should have bitten the hand that fed him and cut ties with him." - This sentence means the speaker regrets not showing their ingratitude earlier when they had the opportunity to do so.

Roots and History

The phrase "bite the hand that feeds" has its origins in ancient literature, where it was used to describe characters who betrayed their patrons. For example, in Plato's work "Allegory of the Cave," the cave dwellers betray their patron, Glaucon, and refuse to be enlightened by him. Similarly, in Chaucer's "The Knight's Tale," the duke betrays his patron, King Theseus, and refuses to be punished for it. Over time, the phrase has been adapted to describe any act of ingratitude towards a benefactor, regardless of whether they are a patron or not.

Synonyms in English

• Show ingratitude
• Refuse help
• Betray someone's trust
• Spite someone who supports you
• Deny someone's support

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish - "Comer el dedo que me daba" - This means to eat the finger that gave you and suggests ingratitude towards a benefactor.
• French - "Manger le doigt qui m'a donné" - This phrase is similar to the Spanish version and also suggests ingratitude towards a benefactor.
• German - "Kutschlaut machen" - This means to speak ill of someone who has supported you and suggests being ungrateful.
• Arabic - "مسانون بعضهم" - This phrase means to treat someone with disrespect or ingratitude and suggests betraying a benefactor's trust.
• Portuguese - "Comer o pé que me dá" - This phrase is similar to the Spanish version and also suggests ingratitude towards a benefactor.

Similar Idioms

• bent out of shape

• blind as a bat

• back door