“Bread and Butter” means the work or activity that provides a person’s or organization’s main income; adjectivally, something basic or everyday. Use the noun phrase for a livelihood or main income source; the hyphenated adjective can describe basic, everyday concerns.
ReviewedEvidence1 sourceSectionPhrases & Idioms
Quick answer
The work or activity that provides a person’s or organization’s main income; adjectivally, something basic or everyday.
Key details
Canonical FormBread and Butter
Core Meaningthe work or activity that provides a person’s or organization’s main income; adjectivally, something basic or everyday
Further guidance
History Boundary
This guide explains documented current meaning and does not claim a single inventor, exact coinage date, or absolute first use without direct evidence.
Meaning
the work or activity that provides a person’s or organization’s main income; adjectivally, something basic or everyday
Usage Boundary
Use the noun phrase for a livelihood or main income source; the hyphenated adjective can describe basic, everyday concerns.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
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