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

So no one could accuse Dolls of cupboard love.

From Aileen Aroon, A Memoir With other Tales of Faithful Friends and Favourites by Stables, Gordon

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

From Good Luck by Meade, L. T.

He wants love, not gifts, from his people, a love which on their part does not fawn for other gifts from him in return, like the cupboard love of kittens purring for cream.

From Hebrew Life and Times by Hunting, Harold B. (Harold Bruce)

But it isn’t cupboard love, at least not quite.

From The Rustle of Silk by Hamilton, Cosmo