ENGLISH
REFERENCE

feed the dragon

idiom
Meaning

To outsource (jobs) to the People's Republic of China.


Origin

disputed origin

The dragon is a cultural symbol of China.

Examples
SIMPLE

Many companies choose to feed the dragon to lower their production costs.

CONTEXTUAL

After the board decided to feed the dragon, the local factory closed its doors for good.

COMPLEX

The corporation's strategic decision to feed the dragon sparked a heated debate regarding domestic labor standards and long-term economic stability.

Anchors to
Related idioms6entries
  1. 01

    chase the dragon

    To chase after the promise of a continually fulfilling high from an addictive substance.

  2. 02

    chicken feed

    A very small or insignificant quantity, especially of money.

  3. 03

    feed off

    To get stimulus from (an external object).

  4. 04

    feed the fire

    Synonym of add fuel to the fire.

  5. 05

    feed the meter

    To place coins into a parking meter or gas meter.

  6. 06

    feed two birds with one scone

    Synonym of kill two birds with one stone.

© 2026 English Reference