Bread and butter

Meaning

The idiom "bread and butter" refers to something that is essential or necessary for survival or basic necessities, such as food and shelter. It can also refer to a regular or reliable source of income or employment.

Usage

• "A stable job and a steady income are bread and butter for me."
• "The cost of living in this city is high, but I have a good job that pays the bills, so it's just bread and water for me."
• "I can't live without my smartphone these days - it's like my bread and butter."
• "I don't have much free time to pursue hobbies or interests, but I have a steady job and a comfortable home, so that's my bread and butter."
• "When we were struggling to make ends meet, my husband found a part-time job that paid just enough for the basics, so it was literally bread and butter for us." The usage of the idiom can vary depending on the context. In some cases, it may refer to basic necessities like food and shelter, while in others it may refer to a reliable source of income or employment.

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom "bread and butter" is uncertain, but it has been used since at least the 16th century. One theory suggests that it comes from the idea that bread and butter were two basic items that everyone needed to survive. Another theory suggests that it may have originated in the United States during the Great Depression when people relied on bread and butter as their staple food sources. There have been some changes in the usage of the idiom over time, but its meaning has remained relatively consistent. It is now commonly used to refer to anything that is necessary or essential for survival or basic necessities, such as food, shelter, a job, or a reliable source of income. The idiom may also vary depending on regional differences in language and culture. For example, some countries may have different idioms that convey the same meaning.

Synonyms in English

• Necessities
• Essentials
• Basics
• Fundamentals
• Priorities

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: "necesidades esenciales" - This idiom refers to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing.
• French: "alimentation essentielle" - This idiom refers to essential nutrition or food.
• German: "Grundbedürfnisse" - This idiom refers to basic requirements or needs for survival.
• Italian: "bisogni essenziali" - This idiom refers to essential needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.
• Japanese: "基本的な需求" - This idiom refers to basic necessities such as food, shelter, and clothing.

Similar Idioms

• beg to differ

• by all means

• burn fingers