Bread and butter

Origin: The idiom 'bread and butter' dates back to the 18th century and was used to describe the basic sustenance provided by bread and butter, which were staple foods at the time. Over the years, it evolved to represent the primary means of earning a living, similar to how bread and butter were essential for everyday nutrition.

Examples

• Writing code is his bread and butter; he's been doing it professionally for over a decade.
• For many artists, teaching art classes is their bread and butter while they pursue their creative projects.
• The small family farm's bread and butter comes from selling fresh produce at the local market.
• Her bread and butter is freelance graphic design, which allows her the flexibility to travel.
• The lawyer's bread and butter cases involve corporate law, although he occasionally takes on pro bono work.
• Running a successful blog on personal finance has become her bread and butter, providing both income and fulfillment.
• For the software company, their bread and butter is developing custom enterprise solutions for large businesses.
• His bread and butter comes from composing film scores, a niche he's carved out over the past 15 years.
• The restaurant's bread and butter is its signature dish, which attracts customers from all over the city.
• Providing IT support to small businesses is their bread and butter, ensuring a steady stream of revenue.