cupboard love - Definition & Meaning

love that is fake, dishonest, and motivated by the hopes of gaining somethinglove that is fake, dishonest, and motivated by the hopes of gaining something

The idiom "cupboard love" is thought to have originated in the 18th century, when it was used to describe the love that a husband and wife had for each other when they were in need of food or shelter. The phrase is based on the idea that people who are in need of food or shelter are more likely to love each other than people who are not in need. It is now used in a more general sense to describe any type of love that is based on need or convenience rather than on feelings.The idiom "cupboard love" is thought to have originated in the 18th century, when it was used to describe the love that a husband and wife had for each other when they were in need of food or shelter. The phrase is based on the idea that people who are in need of food or shelter are more likely to love each other than people who are not in need. It is now used in a more general sense to describe any type of love that is based on need or convenience rather than on feelings.

例句

Sally suspected that her friend's compliments were just cupboard love because they were always followed by requests for favors or borrowing money.
莎莉怀疑她朋友的赞美只是有所图的爱，因为这些赞美之后总是伴随着帮忙或借钱的请求。
Sheila suspected her boyfriend of having cupboard love as he showered her with gifts and attention whenever he needed a favor.
希拉怀疑她的男朋友有功利之爱，因为每当他需要帮忙时，他就会用礼物和关注来淹没她。