To Bite the Hand that Feeds you Meaning

Definition: Don’t criticize or hurt those you count on; don’t turn against a benefactor.

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This idiom means that if someone is offering you v necessities, you shouldn’t disrespect them, be ungrateful, or slam their actions lest the or she turns around and take away what girlfriend need.

It is in her ultimate ideal interest come take treatment of those that take treatment of you. The metaphorical hand the feeds you may be offering you with actual food, with a monetary value, through education, with wellness care, or anything else.

Origin of Bite the Hand that Feeds You

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One of the an initial print supplies of this expression was by politics writer Edmund Burke in the 1700s:


Having looked to government for bread, ~ above the very first scarcity they will turn and bite the hand the fed them.

It originates from the idea the horses, if you’re no careful, may bite when you feed them by hand. This is eventually not in the horse’s finest interest, together you space the one offering it with food.

Examples of Bite the Hand the Feeds You

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In the modern day, this idiom is a reminder to be type to those who room supporting you, commonly financially fairly than emotionally.


For example,

I understand you want to phone call the boss what you really think, but remember not to bite the hand that feeds you.

Another organization example,

Leaving the firm after they’ve invested three year training you is a bit like biting the hand the feeds you.

In this situation, the employee is taking benefit of a agency that has actually gone the end of its means to assist him.


Here is a sample dialogue in between two authors discussing a publication release,

Joe: space you going to compose a blurb because that Steve’s book?

Sally: No, ns don’t think so. I haven’t check out it, and also I don’t have the time.

Joe: didn’t Steve aid you obtain your very first book published? and also doesn’t he assist promote every among your brand-new releases? Sounds prefer you’re biting the hand that feeds.

Sally: great point; I most likely should help him.

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Summary

This is one English proverb and a warning against treating those who provide you with what you need poorly. If girlfriend do, they might no longer be ready or maybe to continue providing for you.