bring home the bacon: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘bring home the bacon’ mean?
The idiom "bring home the bacon" means to earn a living or provide for one's family. It originated from a medieval English custom where a man, after proving himself in a competition, would be awarded a flitch of bacon.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "put food on the table" means to provide the necessary income or means to support oneself and one's family.
The idiom "keep the wolf from the door" means to have enough money or resources to provide for one's basic needs and avoid poverty or hunger.
The idiom "high on the hog" means to live in a luxurious or extravagant manner, enjoying the best of everything. It originates from the idea that the choice cuts of meat, which are considered the best, come from the upper part of the pig.
The idiom "hand in one's dinner pail" means quitting or giving up, often in the context of work or a task. It originates from when workers used to bring their own pail of food to eat during their shift, and handing in the pail symbolized leaving the job.
The idiom "good voice to beg bacon" means to have a persuasive or convincing manner that is used to obtain something valuable or desirable. It suggests that having a strong or effective argument can help in achieving one's goals or desires.
The idiom "feather one's nest" means to accumulate wealth or resources for one's personal benefit, often through cunning or unethical means. It suggests the act of building a comfortable and secure home for oneself by adding more and more feathers to a nest, symbolizing wealth and comfort.
The idiom "fat of the land" means to enjoy the best or richest things in life, often referring to an abundance of food or wealth.
The idiom "earn one's keep" means to work and contribute enough to cover one's own expenses or be useful and deserving of the resources one receives. It conveys the idea of being self-supporting or proving one's worth through hard work and productivity.
The idiom "earn one's crust" means to make enough money or achieve the necessary income to survive or sustain oneself.
Unveiling Succinct Significance
The idiom "bring home the bacon" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It has a historical origin and a well-established meaning that resonates with many individuals.
The origin of the phrase "bring home the bacon" can be traced back to the 12th century. It is believed to have originated in Great Dunmow, Essex, England, where a tradition called the Dunmow Flitch Trials existed.
The Dunmow Flitch Trials were a set of trials held every four years. Married couples were awarded a "flitch," or side, of bacon if they could prove that they had not regretted getting married for a year and a day.
This tradition became so popular that it contributed to the figurative usage of the phrase "bring home the bacon." It became an analogy for winning the flitch and bringing it home as a symbol of marital bliss and success.
Over time, the idiom "bring home the bacon" shifted its meaning from the specific contest of the Dunmow Flitch Trials to a more general sense of providing for the household or being the breadwinner.
Today, the idiom is commonly used in a figurative sense to describe a person's ability to earn money or provide for their loved ones. It is often used in the context of work or employment, emphasizing the importance of financial stability and responsibility.
"Bring home the bacon" is a well-known and frequently used idiom in the English language. It is often used in both spoken and written language, appearing in various types of media, literature, and conversations across different contexts.
The idiom "bring home the bacon" reflects societal expectations and traditional gender roles, highlighting the historical emphasis on the male as the primary breadwinner.
However, its usage has evolved to be inclusive of all individuals who contribute to their household's financial well-being. Nowadays, both men and women strive to bring home the bacon and earn their crust.
Another related idiom is "earn one's crust." This idiom refers to the act of working hard to earn a living and support oneself or one's family.
Yet another related idiom is "put food on the table." This idiom signifies the ability to provide the basic necessities of life, particularly food, for one's family.
Overall, the idiom "bring home the bacon" is deeply rooted in history and has successfully transitioned into modern language usage.
Its figurative meaning continues to resonate with individuals as they navigate the complexities of providing for their families. This idiom captures the timeless pursuit of financial stability and the value placed on being able to support loved ones.
Example usage
1. I work long hours at the office to bring home the bacon and support my family.
2. Mary is the main breadwinner in her household. She works two jobs to bring home the bacon.
3. After years of hard work, John finally landed a lucrative job that allows him to bring home the bacon.
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