# bite the hand that feeds one

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bite-the-hand-that-feeds-one
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cause harm to a benefactor (especially one that one is dependent on, thus with the idea that this behaviour is self-damaging).

## Examples

- Don't bite the hand that feeds you by insulting your boss.
- He relied on his parents for rent, yet he still criticized them, effectively biting the hand that feeds him.
- By publicly attacking the investors who saved his company from bankruptcy, the CEO foolishly bit the hand that fed him.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.