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

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

From 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.

From The Guardian

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

From National Geographic

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

From Project Gutenberg

So no one could accuse Dolls of cupboard love.

From Project Gutenberg