Take the bread out of somebody’s mouth
phrase
To take away someone's means of making a living or way of getting the things they need.
By opening a big supermarket close to the small local stores, the supermarket could take the bread out of the local business owners' mouths.
Often appears as...
- undermining livelihood
- stealing one's income
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To take away someone's means of making a living or way of getting the things they need.
By opening a big supermarket close to the small local stores, the supermarket could take the bread out of the local business owners' mouths.
Often appears as...
- undermining livelihood
- stealing one's income
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
This phrase isn't about real bread but refers to taking away someone's income.
The new tax law may take the bread out of many freelancers' mouths.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
The phrase suggests unfairness and generates sympathy for the person affected.
Unfair trade deals can take the bread out of local farmers' mouths.
Pro Tip 3/3Economic Context
Often used in economic contexts, discussing jobs, competition, and livelihood.
Importing cheap goods might take the bread out of domestic producers' mouths.
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