ProverbWisdom
English origin1546
English origin1546He knows on which side his bread is buttered.
Meaning: Self-interest guides his loyalty; he cultivates favor with those who benefit him most.
Origin: John Heywood's 1546 collection has "I know on which side my bread is buttered." It describes someone who knows exactly where their advantage lies, and acts — or keeps quiet — accordingly.
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Colorful expressions from dozens of languages, with their word-for-word translations.
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