Bring home the bacon

Meaning

The idiom "bring home the bacon" means to earn a living, provide for one's family or fulfill one's financial obligations. It originated as a reference to the practice of bringing meat (specifically pork belly) back home from the butcher for consumption, which was considered a way of providing sustenance and support for the household.

Usage

• "I need to bring home the bacon by finding a new job." - This sentence implies that the speaker is currently employed but feels that they are not earning enough money to support their family or meet their financial goals.
• "She's always focused on bringing home the bacon, even if it means sacrificing her own interests." - This sentence suggests that the speaker values financial stability and provides for their family above all else.
• "I'm struggling to make ends meet and bring home the bacon." - This sentence implies that the speaker is having difficulty making enough money to support themselves and their family, and may be considering ways to cut expenses or increase income.
• "He's a hard worker who always brings home the bacon for his family." - This sentence suggests that the speaker values dedication and hard work, and sees it as important traits for providing for one's family.
• "We need to find a way to bring home more than just enough to get by; we need to bring home the bacon." - This sentence implies that the speaker wants to improve their financial situation and be able to provide more for themselves and their family.

Roots and History

The idiom "bring home the bacon" originated in the United States in the late 19th or early 20th century as a reference to the practice of bringing meat back home from the butcher. This was considered an important task for providing sustenance and support for the household, and was often associated with financial stability and security. The phrase became popularized through literature and media during the Great Depression, when many people were struggling financially and turned to this expression as a way of expressing their desire for economic stability and independence.

Synonyms in English

• "Make ends meet" - This idiom means to provide for oneself or one's family by earning enough money and managing expenses effectively.
• "Pay the bills" - This idiom means to fulfill one's financial obligations, such as paying rent or utilities, by earning enough income.
• "Bring in the dough" - This idiom means to earn a lot of money or provide for oneself and one's family financially.
• "Scrape together a living" - This idiom means to earn just enough money to survive, often through various means such as working multiple jobs or living frugally.
• "Support the family" - This idiom means to provide for one's family by earning enough income and meeting their needs.

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "gagner sa vie" (to earn a living)
• German: "die Ausgaben decken" (to cover expenses)
• Spanish: "comprar las cosas necesarias" (to buy necessary things)
• Italian: "avere la vita stabilita" (to have a stable life)
• Japanese: "生活を維護する" (to maintain a comfortable life)

Similar Idioms

• when pigs fly

• break the news

• sick as a dog