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 Words From

• cupboard lover noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cupboard love¹

First recorded in 1750–60

Example Sentences

There's cupboard-love, at any rate; but never mind, let's go and listen to this opera.

From Project Gutenberg

The commissariat at home is too good to justify any suspicion of this ignoble sort of cupboard love.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg