Skip to main content

cupboard hag

A crotchety old bag of bones that lurks around one's home without the knowledge of the residents
the cupboard hag sat in the musty attic combing her thinning hair and trolling people on the internet
by Cupboardhag November 14, 2015
mugGet the cupboard hagmug.
(Idiom) Take the simple solution to a problem instead of over-complicating it.

Origin:
The phrase comes from an anecdote about a dog that kept stealing bread left on the kitchen counter. The owner tried punishing the dog, which worked if they were home, but the problem continued whenever the dog was unsupervised. When they asked for advice, someone simply said, “Can you put the bread in the cupboard?” Sometimes the easiest fix is the most effective one.

Usage:
If a simple action will prevent an unnecessary problem, and doesn’t inconvenience you, then just “put the bread in the cupboard.”

Completely unrelated to "put the fries in the bag."
"I was totally overthinking which flavor of coffee creamer to buy. All I needed to do was put the bread in the cupboard and get both. I had a buy-one-get-one coupon, anyway."

"Your roommate situation does sound annoying, but sometimes you just have to put the bread in the cupboard. Have you tried carrying your toiletries to and from the bathroom instead of leaving them in the shower? Maybe then they'll stop using your shampoo."
by crumbsalad November 19, 2025
mugGet the Put the bread in the cupboardmug.

Indian in the Cupboard

The inner native in every one (despite race)that comes out after too much cheap whisky(wishkey)
*Jeff punches baby

Craig:"whats wrong with Jeff"
Aaron"Hes been drinking Canadian Club all day. He let loose the indian in the cupboard."
by SMegMatic69 May 10, 2022
mugGet the Indian in the Cupboardmug.

cupboard burnt

These walnuts taste cupboard burnt
by Cheyyennerox May 7, 2018
mugGet the cupboard burntmug.

Tantalus's Cupboard (TC)

A non newspeak term for Universal Basic Income (UBI).

When goods and services are technically available, visible in store windows, online websites and metaverses, but ordinary citizens can't access them due to shortages, rationing, price and an unacceptable social credit score.

Tantalus a Greek mythological figure, most famous for his punishment in Tartarus, was made to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree with low branches. The fruit ever eluding his grasp, the water always receding before he could take a drink.
Carmen: "I just got my UBI payment, but it's barely enough for rent."
Beth: "Classic TC"
Carmen: "fml and f Tantalus's Cupboard (TC)"
by jr99999 July 8, 2024
mugGet the Tantalus's Cupboard (TC)mug.

Shit cupboard

Cupboard where you store all the stuff you don’t need but can’t bare to throw away, just in case.
Gaz said “ I had to replace my toilet on Sunday but to get to the stop cock I then had to empty my shit cupboard....
by Dan1ssol June 19, 2024
mugGet the Shit cupboardmug.

Cupboard Monger

A person who likes to lurk inside of cupboards spying on unsuspecting victims.
hey sim ya dirty cupboard monger. did i hear you spying on me last night while rooting my missus
by Folesy May 30, 2018
mugGet the Cupboard Mongermug.

Share this definition

Sign in to vote

We'll email you a link to sign in instantly.

Or

Check your email

We sent a link to

Open your email