Don't bite the hand that feeds you

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Meaning

Don't harm or turn on your benefactor.

Origin

From 18th-century Britain, tied to dogs; proverb by 1711 in a Swift text for loyalty. A 1730s pamphlet uses it for a thankless sot.

Variants

  • Don't bite hand

Usage Examples

  • Don't bite the hand that feeds you; thank your boss.
  • He bit the hand that fed him; quit in a huff.
  • Don't bite the hand that feeds you; she's your ally.

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