Cupboard Love (Noun)
Meaning
A show of affection motivated by selfishness.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The way the kids always hugged and kissed their grandmother whenever she gave them treats seemed like just cupboard love to their parents.
- Her cupboard love was evident in the way she lavished attention on her boyfriend only when he bought her expensive gifts.
- I'm not sure if he's being genuinely affectionate or if it's just cupboard love now that I've started cooking his meals.
- She suspected her young son's enthusiastic hugs were more cupboard love than genuine affection since they usually came right before mealtime.
- Their cupboard love was apparent when they only texted their mother on Mother's Day, presumably to receive gifts or praise.