[bite] the hand that [feed] {sb}
1
to be ungrateful to the person who has helped one by mistreating or betraying them
The origin of the idiom "bite the hand that feeds someone" is rooted in the behavior of animals, particularly dogs. Dogs, when fed and cared for by a person, are generally loyal and protective of that person. However, in some cases, a dog might react aggressively or ungratefully, biting the hand of the person who provides for it. This literal scenario, where an animal turns against its benefactor, has been metaphorically extended to human behavior. As an idiomatic expression, this phrase can be used in personal relationships to describe situations where someone betrays or mistreats a friend, family member, or benefactor who has been helping them.
- After his parents sacrificed so much to support his education, he bit the hand that fed him by dropping out of school.
- The company's disloyal employee bit the hand that fed her when she leaked sensitive information to a competitor.
- When the mayor turned against the political party that had backed him for years, he was accused of biting the hand that fed him.
- Despite receiving financial aid from the organization, the activist bit the hand that fed her by criticizing its methods publicly.
- The athlete's ungrateful comments about his coach were seen as biting the hand that had nurtured his talent and career.