eat out of someone’s hand: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘eat out of someone's hand’ mean?
The idiom "eat out of someone's hand" means to be completely under someone's control or influence, obeying their every command without question.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "putty in someone's hands" means to be completely under someone's control or influence, easily manipulated or influenced by that person.
The idiomatic expression "eat someone's lunch" means to defeat or outperform them, typically in a competitive or confrontational situation.
"Eat someone out of house and home" means to consume all of someone's food and resources, usually in large quantities. It is used to describe someone who eats voraciously and excessively, causing a significant strain on the household's supplies and finances.
The idiom "eat one's own" means to act selfishly or prioritize one's own needs or interests above others, often to the detriment of others or the overall goal.
The idiom "eat one's head off" means to consume something excessively or without restraint, often referring to a person or an animal consuming food in large quantities. It emphasizes the idea of extreme or voracious eating.
The idiom "eat it" means to accept or tolerate something unpleasant or embarrassing, often with resignation or humility.
The idiom "eat dirt" means to suffer a humiliating defeat or to be forced to submit to someone. It is a figurative expression that implies being in a position of inferiority or having to endure a humiliating situation.
The idiom "eat and leave no crumbs" means to consume or use something completely without wasting or leaving any trace or evidence behind.
The idiom "bite to eat" means to have a small amount of food, typically a snack or light meal.
Unveiling the Spell
The idiom "eat out of someone's hand" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It describes a situation where a person is highly influenced by someone else and willingly follows their guidance or does whatever they ask. This idiom suggests a power dynamic, with one person exerting control over another and the other person willingly complying.
The phrase "eat out of someone's hand" has an origin that can be traced back to the literal act of animals, particularly pets or domesticated animals, eating out of someone's hand. When an animal eats from a person's hand, it implies trust, familiarity, and submission. Over time, this literal expression developed into a figurative one, reflecting the dynamics of human relationships.
The idiom "eat out of someone's hand" has been in use since at least the 19th century and can be found in various literary works. Its prevalence and cultural significance indicate that it has firmly established itself in the English language.
This idiom can be applied to describe various scenarios where one person has a considerable influence over another. For example, in political contexts, it can be used to describe a leader who can sway their followers to act according to their wishes. In personal relationships, it can depict an individual who has significant control over their partner or loved one. Whether in professional settings or personal matters, this idiom effectively conveys the dynamic of one person's dominance and another person's reliance.
The idiomatic expression "putty in someone's hands" is related to the idiom "eat out of someone's hand." It shares a similar meaning, describing a person who is easily influenced or controlled by another. When someone is "putty in someone's hands," they are like clay that can be molded or shaped according to someone else's desires. This expression emphasizes the idea of complete obedience and subservience.
Similarly, the idiom "eat someone's lunch" is also related to "eat out of someone's hand." It conveys the idea of someone being outperformed or defeated by another person. When someone "eats someone's lunch," they are taking away their opportunities or success. This idiom suggests a competitive context where one person is dominating or overpowering another.
The idiom "eat out of someone's hand" describes a situation where a person willingly follows the guidance or requests of someone else. Its origin can be traced back to animals eating from a person's hand, symbolizing trust and submission. This idiom has become firmly entrenched in the English language and is used in various contexts to depict a power dynamic. Additionally, the related idioms "putty in someone's hands" and "eat someone's lunch" further emphasize the ideas of obedience and competition. Overall, these idioms provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamics of human relationships and interactions.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "eat out of someone's hand" can be used in a sentence:
1. Despite being the new employee, she quickly gained the trust of her boss and soon had the whole team eating out of her hand.
2. The charismatic politician had a way of making people feel special, leading his followers to eat out of his hand during his campaign speeches.
3. The talented chef had the guests at his restaurant eating out of his hand with his delicious and beautifully presented dishes.
More "Obedience" idioms
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