bite the hand that feeds one
Harm your helper
To bite the hand that feeds one is to harm or show ingratitude toward someone who provides for you or supports you.
The image is of a dog snapping at its owner: After the company paid for his education, he quit and joined a competitor—talk about biting the hand that feeds you.
The phrase usually appears as an accusation or warning.
- ingratitudeLack of appreciation
- disloyaltyBreach of allegiance
- bad faithIntentional deception in dealings
- disrespectLack of regard
- ungratefulnessLack of thankfulness
spitefulness · stab in the back · thanklessness · slap in the face · Judas kiss · backstabbing · betrayal · undermine · double-cross · maltreatment · benefactor · turncoat · fair weather friend · dependence · selfishness · unappreciative · resentment · obligation
bite the hand that feeds onebe grateful
Feel appreciation toward someone
return the favor · be faithful · stay true · count one's blessings · give thanks
bite the hand that feeds onescratch someone's back
Help anticipating reciprocation
reciprocate · tit for tat · return the favor · give back · pay it forward