cupboard love

noun

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

cupboard love

noun

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

Other Word Forms

• cupboard lover noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cupboard love¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

I’m someone whose “love language” is often wrapped up with food, so cupboard love does not strike a particularly false note with me.

Read more on New York Times

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

Read more on The Guardian

Something that intrigues us pet owners is whether our animals feel “cupboard love” for us—or real love.

Read more on National Geographic

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

Read more on Project Gutenberg

So no one could accuse Dolls of cupboard love.

Read more on Project Gutenberg