cupboard love
Affection for gain
Cupboard love is affection motivated by self-interest—the love a child shows a parent who controls the treats, or attention given only when something is wanted.
The image is of someone being sweet to whoever holds the key to the cupboard.
British in origin and still more common there: It's just cupboard love—he only visits when he needs money.
- fondnessWarm liking or affection
- needyWanting in essentials
- attachmentConnection or fondness
- hungerNeed for nourishment
- bread and butterPrimary source of income
self-interest · superficiality · insincerity · crocodile tears · affection · opportunism · fair-weather friendship · fair weather · manipulation · butter up · sweet talk · puppy dog eyes · ulterior motives · strings attached · sycophancy · exploitation · idiom · codependency
cupboard lovetrue love
Authentic romantic connection
unconditional love · selfless love · agape · pure love · true friendship
cupboard loveneglect
Failure to provide care
abuse · violence · cruelty · indifference · mistreatment
cupboard, love, board, boards, cupped, cupping, cupful, loved, loves