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Processed with VS1Understand an idiom about dependence without treating gratitude as a reason to accept mistreatment.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode explores expressions about food, support, and relationships, including “don’t bite the hand that feeds you,” “bread and butter,” and “word of mouth.” The main proverb warns against harming someone who helps you. It can describe gratitude, but should not be used to excuse exploitation or silence someone who needs to speak up.
Cultural note: People can appreciate help and still set boundaries or report mistreatment. The proverb is not advice to tolerate abuse, unsafe conditions, or unfair treatment. Consider the power relationship and the specific behavior before applying it.
Keep exploringA food-based proverb warns against harming a helper—but gratitude does not require silence when someone is treated unfairly.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Talk about help and the relationships around it.
Meaning
Harm or act against someone who provides help or support.
Tone & use
Often used as a warning. It should not imply that a person must accept abuse or unfairness because they depend on someone.
Example
“The proverb was not a reason to stay silent about unsafe conditions at work.”
Meaning
Tell someone to leave, or dismiss them from a place or position.
Tone & use
Informal and often blunt. It may be literal or figurative depending on context.
Example
“The manager showed the disruptive visitor the door after repeated warnings.”
Use common food expressions connected to income.
Meaning
A person’s main source of income or the basic, dependable part of a business.
Tone & use
Informal. Context shows whether it refers to food literally or to livelihood figuratively.
Example
“Repair work is the small shop’s bread and butter.”
Describe recommendations passed between people.
Meaning
Information or a recommendation shared by people in conversation.
Tone & use
Can help a service become known; it does not guarantee the recommendation is accurate or current.
Example
“The café attracted many customers through word of mouth.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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