"Many kiss the hand they wish cut off"

This quote by George Herbert is a metaphor for the idea of hypocrisy. It recommends that individuals frequently pretend to be faithful to someone or something, while privately wanting it to be gone. This might be used to a range of situations, such as an individual who is outwardly supportive of their employer, but inwardly longs for them to be fired. It might also be applied to an individual who is outwardly supportive of a politician, but inwardly longs for them to be eliminated from office. The quote suggests that people typically place on an incorrect face of commitment, while covertly wanting the opposite. This is a pointer to be sincere and authentic in our relationships, and to not pretend to be something we are not.