cupboard love

American  

noun

1. a personal attachment that appears to be motivated by love but in fact stems from the hope of gain.

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cupboard love British  

noun

1. a show of love inspired only by some selfish or greedy motive

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Other Word Forms

• cupboard lover
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of cupboard love

First recorded in 1750–60

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cupboard love

Ancient Greeks had no word for cupboard love, but, undoubtedly, this is a love the vast majority of animal pets may feel for us.

From The Guardian ● Jul. 16, 2019

He has a cupboard love for Sarah, but I think that his affection for me is simon-pure.

From Mavis of Green Hill by Faith Baldwin

I won't pretend to say, but it evidently is intended to suggest cupboard love, and there is a portentously large pitcher of ale in reserve on the bench.

From Line and Form (1900) by Walter Crane

This last and long-enduring passion for Mrs. Thrale was, however, composed perhaps of cupboard love, Platonic love, and vanity tickled and gratified, from morn to night, by incessant homage.

From Autobiography, Letters and Literary Remains of Mrs. Piozzi (Thrale) (2nd ed.) (2 vols.) Edited with notes and Introductory Account of her life and writings by Hester Lynch Piozzi

"It's all cupboard love with them," he said.

From The Belton Estate by Anthony Trollope

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