The staff of life

usgb
noun

A thing that one relies on as a person relies on food for sustenance, especially bread.

Deeply religious, she considers prayer to be the staff of life.
Visual representation of "the staff of life" - A thing that one relies on as a person relies on food for sustenance, especially bread.

Often appears as...

  • bread is the staff of life
  • prayer is the staff of life

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "the staff of life"
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Metaphoric Use

Understand that 'the staff of life' is often used metaphorically to indicate something vitally important.

Illustration for Metaphoric Use
For avid readers, books are the staff of life.
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Cultural Significance

Remember that 'the staff of life' can allude to cultural importance, often reflecting a society's staples or necessities.

Illustration for Cultural Significance
In Italy, pasta is considered the staff of life.
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Non-literal Meaning

Don't take 'the staff of life' literally; it's not always about physical food but what's essential for well-being.

Illustration for Non-literal Meaning
Friendship, to many, is the staff of life.
Visual representation of the word "The staff of life"

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