Bring home the bacon

usgb
verb

To earn money for a family to live on.

John has been working overtime to bring home the bacon.
Visual representation of "bring home the bacon" - To earn money for a family to live on.

Often appears as...

  • work hard to bring home the bacon
  • struggle to bring home the bacon

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "bring home the bacon"
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Income Implication

The phrase often implies that the money is crucial for family needs and not for personal luxuries.

Illustration for Income Implication
He works two jobs to bring home the bacon
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Use

It's used metaphorically and does not involve actual bacon.

Illustration for Figurative Use
Since my wife was promoted, she's been bringing home the bacon
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Historical Origin

Originates from the 12th century where a side of bacon was the prize in competitions, symbolizing prosperity.

Illustration for Historical Origin
Winning this contract will be like bringing home the bacon for us.
Visual representation of the word "Bring home the bacon"

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