What does “Cupboard love” mean?
"Cupboard love" means pretending to love someone for personal gain.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He's only showing her cupboard love because he wants her money.
Example
She quickly realized that his affection was just cupboard love.
Example
Don't be fooled by his charm, it's all just cupboard love
Is “Cupboard love” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cupboard love” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Cupboard love” effectively in context?
You can use "Cupboard Love" to describe someone who pretends to love or show affection to another person for personal gain. It implies that the person's affection is not genuine and is only motivated by self-interest. For example, if a friend suspects that someone is only dating them for their money, they might say, 'I think he's only showing me "cupboard love" because he wants my money.'
- 1Romantic Relationships
She quickly realized that his affection was just cupboard love and ended the relationship.
- 2Friendships
He's only showing her cupboard love because he wants her connections in the industry.
- 3Family Dynamics
Don't be fooled by his charm, it's all just cupboard love. He's only nice to you when he wants something.
Similar phrases to “Cupboard love”:
Fair-weather friend
Someone who is only a friend during good times and abandons you during difficult times
Example
She realized that he was just a fair-weather friend who only wanted to hang out when things were going well.
Someone who takes advantage of others for personal gain
Example
She finally realized that he was just a user, always asking for favors but never offering anything in return.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cupboard love” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cupboard Love" is unknown.
Is “Cupboard love” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cupboard Love" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation. It is commonly used to describe situations where someone is pretending to love or show affection for personal gain.
What tone does “Cupboard love” have?
"Cupboard Love" conveys a tone of deception and insincerity. It is often used to express disappointment or skepticism towards someone's motives.
Can “Cupboard love” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Cupboard Love" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a specific type of insincere affection. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She quickly realized that his affection was just "cupboard love".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's all just "cupboard love".' to imply insincerity.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- fake affection
- insincere love
- pretend love
- phony love
- sham affection
Antonyms
- genuine love
- true affection
- authentic care
- sincere devotion
