You shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds you by being disrespectful to your mentor.
word origin — From a Burke speech in 1790 — describes a domesticated animal biting the master who gives it food.
bite the hand that feeds you, put the brakes on, speak volumes, throw a curveball, have a chip on your shoulder: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 idioms from Idioms set 42. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
bite the hand that feeds you · idiom/baɪt ðə hænd ðət fidz ju/
to be ungrateful to someone who has helped you
You shouldn’t bite the hand that feeds you by being disrespectful to your mentor.
Origin: From a Burke speech in 1790 — describes a domesticated animal biting the master who gives it food.
put the brakes on · idiom/pʊt ðə breɪks ɔn/
to slow down or stop a process
The government decided to put the brakes on the new policy due to public protests.
Origin: From the early 1900s automobile age — pressing the brake pedal slows or stops a moving vehicle.
speak volumes · idiom/spik ˈvɑljumz/
to reveal a lot about a situation without directly stating it
His silence spoke volumes about how he really felt about the situation.
Origin: From the 1800s — a single look or silence said as much as multiple volumes of written words.
throw a curveball · idiom/θroʊ ə ˈkɜrvbɔl/
to do something unexpected that causes confusion or trouble
The interviewer threw a curveball by asking a completely unexpected question.
Origin: From American baseball — a curveball changes direction mid-flight, surprising the batter expecting a straight pitch.
have a chip on your shoulder · idiom/tʃɪp ɔn jʊr ˈʃoʊldɚ/
to have a lingering resentment or grievance
He has had a chip on his shoulder ever since he was passed over for the promotion.
Origin: From the 1800s American — boys put a wood chip on their shoulder, daring others to knock it off and fight.