ENGLISH
REFERENCE

eat out of someone's hand

idiom
Meaning

To behave in a docile, submissive way towards someone.


Origin

disputed origin

An allusion to the manner in which a tame animal can be fed.

Examples
SIMPLE

The new puppy eats out of my hand already.

CONTEXTUAL

After the manager gave everyone a bonus, the entire team was eating out of his hand.

COMPLEX

Through a combination of calculated flattery and strategic gifts, the advisor soon had the king eating out of his hand.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    another nail in someone's coffin

    An event that increases the likelihood of or causes further failure.

  2. 02

    answer someone's prayers

    To be or do exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.

  3. 03

    answer to someone's prayers

    Exactly what someone has been wishing or asking for.

  4. 04

    apple of someone's eye

    The object of somebody's affections; a person (or sometimes a thing) that someone strongly prefers; a favorite, a loved one.

  5. 05

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

  6. 06

    bane of someone's existence

    Someone or something that poses a significant problem to someone.

  7. 07

    bash someone's face in

    To beat someone violently.

  8. 08

    bash someone's head

    To beat up someone violently.

Last updated July 12, 2026