THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
Don’t harm or offend someone who is helping you.
Usage note: keep in mind
This proverb warns against harming or alienating someone who supports you. Bite changes to bit in past-tense variations. The proverb describes a social judgement, not a rule that helpers cannot be criticised. Respectful disagreement and setting boundaries are still possible.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- In the story, a friend warns him not to insult his main supporter: “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
In the story, a friend warns him not to insult his main supporter: “________.”
Show the answer
Don’t bite the hand that feeds you — Don’t harm or offend someone who is helping you.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
Don’t harm or offend someone who is helping you.
Compare: In the story, a friend warns him not to insult his main supporter: “Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.”
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
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More ways to understand and use it
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More examples in context
- The character is warned not to bite the hand that feeds him after insulting his main supporter.
- You can thank a mentor for support while politely disagreeing with the mentor's suggestion.
Check your understanding
Does the proverb mean you must accept every demand made by someone who once helped you?
Check your answer
No. It cautions against damaging a supportive relationship; it does not remove your ability to disagree, raise concerns or set reasonable boundaries.
Use it in your own words
Write one new situation where don’t bite the hand that feeds you fits. Explain the situation in plain English first, then rewrite it using the expression. Check that the tone and meaning suit your audience.