# spoil someone rotten

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/spoil-someone-rotten
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To overindulge someone, especially when it results in making them selfish and demanding.

## Examples

- The grandparents always spoil the children rotten when they visit.
- By giving him every expensive toy he asked for, his parents spoiled him rotten.
- Though she intended to show her affection, she inadvertently spoiled her son rotten, leaving him unable to handle even minor disappointments.

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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.