bite the hand that feeds one

phrase

: to injure a benefactor maliciously

Word History

First Known Use

1649, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bite the hand that feeds one was in 1649

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Cite this Entry

“Bite the hand that feeds one.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bite%20the%20hand%20that%20feeds%20one. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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