What’s your ‘bread and butter’?

The English idiom “bread and butter” is used when someone is talking about the main part of their income.

(Income is the money you earn from your job)

Remember: Idioms are English phrases that have a different meaning to the individual words in the phrase. So, sometimes ‘bread and butter’ doesn’t mean a slice of bread with butter on it. When you hear English speakers use this phrase, they might be talking about the money they earn from their job!!!

Here’s an example:

Sophie:          These paintings are wonderful Callum, you have a lot of talent!

Callum:         Thanks Sophie, I wish more people thought so! I don’t sell many paintings.

Sophie:          Really? I’m surprised to hear that. So, what do you so then?

Callum:         I’m a web designer. That’s my bread and butter, but my real passion is painting.

(The main part of Callum’s income is from his work as a web designer. He doesn’t make much money from selling his paintings, so most of the money he earns is from his web design job.)

Why do we use this idiom? Bread and butter is a very simple, basic meal. It is enough to feed you. The main part of your income is used to buy food and pay for somewhere to live. It’s your ‘bread and butter’ – it will keep you alive! Any other money you get can buy the jam, cakes and ice-cream!

“I like baking and selling cakes at the local market, but teaching English is my bread and butter!”

What’s your bread and butter? Write your answers in the comments box below!