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

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Etymology

Origin of cupboard love

First recorded in 1750–60

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cupboard love

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

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

From Good Luck by L. T. Meade

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 Harold B. (Harold Bruce) Hunting

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

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

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

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

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