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

Etymology

Origin of cupboard love

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

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

Every kind of love is more or less cupboard love.

From Her Royal Highness Woman by O'Rell, Max

"It's cupboard love as brings you out so sharp," he said, his voice resounding in the cold darkness.

From The Rainbow by Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert)

Perhaps my enthusiasm for California sounds a little like cupboard love.

From The Smiling Hill-Top And Other California Sketches by Winslow, Carleton M.

You'll find the basket in the cupboard, love.

From Good Luck by Meade, L. T.