호랑이에게 먹이를 주다
호랑이에게 먹이를 주면 안 돼요!
Don't feed the tiger!
To do something that will ultimately cause harm to oneself or one's own interests by enabling or supporting a dangerous or powerful entity.
그는 경쟁사를 키워 주더니 결국 시장에서 밀려났어요.
He helped his competitor grow and ended up getting pushed out of the market.
너무 관대하게 대하면 나중에 후회할 거야.
If you're too lenient, you'll regret it later.
Often used in business, politics, or personal relationships to describe actions that strengthen an opponent or rival.
Collocations
Synonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use this idiom
Use this idiom when someone's actions seem generous but ultimately backfire by strengthening an opponent. It's particularly useful in business discussions or political analysis.
Gold Rule
Idiom vs. Literal Meaning
Never use this idiom literally. It always refers to metaphorical 'feeding' of a rival or threat.
Word Origin
The idiom originates from the literal act of feeding a tiger (호랑이), a dangerous animal in Korean folklore. The metaphorical usage emerged from the idea that feeding a tiger only makes it stronger and more likely to turn on you, reflecting the self-destructive nature of enabling a powerful rival or threat.
Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in business contexts to describe actions that inadvertently strengthen a competitor. It can also apply to personal relationships where one's kindness is exploited by someone who later harms them.