English Idioms

Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms

Best thing since sliced bread

Meaning

The idiom "best thing since sliced bread" is used to describe something that is considered an excellent new development or improvement. It can be used to praise a product, a service, or a person's performance. It indicates that the new thing is widely appreciated and has become popular.

Usage

  • "The new coffee machine at work is the best thing since sliced bread. It makes the perfect cup of coffee every time."
  • "After years of struggling to find a good haircut, I finally found a barber who can give me the style I've always wanted. He's the best thing since sliced bread."
  • "The new iPhone has so many features that it's the best thing since sliced bread. I don't know how I lived without it."
  • "The new restaurant in town is the best thing since sliced bread. The food is amazing, and the atmosphere is cozy."
  • "The new CEO of the company has brought a lot of changes that have improved our productivity and efficiency. He's the best thing since sliced bread."

Roots and History

The idiom originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It is believed to have been inspired by the invention of sliced bread, which became popular around the same time. The first recorded use of the idiom was in a magazine in the 1930s. Over time, the idiom has become more widely used and its meaning has remained relatively consistent.

Synonyms in English

  • "The best thing to happen to me since I got married."
  • "The best thing to come out of this pandemic."
  • "The best thing that's ever happened to me."

Synonyms in other languages

  • French - "Le meilleur des jours" (literally, "the best days")
  • Spanish - "El mejor momento de mi vida" (literally, "the best moment of my life")
  • German - "Das beste, was ich je erlebte" (literally, "the best, what I ever experienced")
  • Russian - "Самое лучшее моё время" (literally, "the best time for me")
  • Chinese - "最美好的时光" (literally, "the most beautiful of time periods")

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