give pap with a hatchet

give pap with a hatchet

To act or seem as though one is doing something with good or kind intentions when, really, the opposite is true. To "give pap" means for a mother to comfort an infant with her nipple—an intentional juxtaposition with the sharp and dangerous "hatchet." I thought Lauren wanted to be my friend, but then I found out she only invited me to sit at her table to make fun of me. Talk about giving pap with a hatchet!
See also: give, hatchet
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • mean well
  • make plain
  • come from a good place
  • good faith
  • in good faith
  • no good deed ever goes unpunished
  • unpunished
  • it's the thought that counts
  • no good deed goes unpunished
  • No good deed goes unpunished.