---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Many kiss the hand they wish cut off."
description: "\"Many kiss the hand they wish cut off.\" — George Herbert"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b0/george-herbert-107_hand_many-kiss-the-hand-they-wish-cut-off-231_2314489.jpg"
---

#  Many kiss the hand they wish cut off.

![“Many kiss the hand they wish cut off.” quote by George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b0/george-herbert-107_hand_many-kiss-the-hand-they-wish-cut-off-231_2314489.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b0/george-herbert-107_hand_many-kiss-the-hand-they-wish-cut-off-231_2314489.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b0/george-herbert-107_hand_many-kiss-the-hand-they-wish-cut-off-231_2314489.jpg)

> “Many kiss the hand they wish cut off.”

[George Herbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-herbert/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

It warns that people often desire what they are willing to sacrifice, highlighting hypocrisy and self‑interest.

**In simple terms:** People want what they’d discard.

Key Takeaway

Beware of wanting what you’d reject.

Themes

hypocrisy selfinterest desire

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

aphilosophical ethical

When to use this quote

- political compromise
- personal relationships
- business negotiations

Key Concepts

moral paradox human nature

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you ever want something you’d refuse for yourself?
- How does this affect trust?

A Different Perspective

People may not act consistently with their stated values.

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[Kiss](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/kiss/) [Wish](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wish/)

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