Be Your Bread and Butter – Idiom of the Day for IELTS

Making use of suitable idioms in your speech while conversing in English in an everyday setting will clearly enhance the way you convey an intended message. 

One of the commonly used idioms these days is ‘Be Your Bread And Butter.’ This is especially used by many in both casual and professional discussions, mainly when talking about someone’s job, skill, or main income source and that is what makes it perfect for the IELTS exam.

In this article of ours, we will learn the meaning, origin, and usage of the idiom, along with examples of how to use it to your advantage when preparing for the IELTS Speaking and Writing!

Meaning of the Idiom “Be Your Bread and Butter”

The idiom “be your bread and butter” refers to the main activity or job you do to get the money you need. In other words, it is the primary source of your income or livelihood referring to the job or skill that you depend on financially.

For Example:
Driving a taxi is his bread and butter, but he is into painting as a hobby.

Origin of the Idiom “Be Your Bread and Butter”

This phrase traces back to the early 18th century and is rooted into the basic necessities of an individual’s life. Bread and butter were considered as everyday essentials, so referring to a person’s “bread and butter” came to represent a basic but main source of support, mainly the financial support.

Using the Idiom “Be Your Bread and Butter” in Sentences

1. Writing content for fashion websites is my sister’s bread and butter.

2. Farming has always been the bread and butter of my family for generations.

3. Freelance designing used to be her bread and butter before she switched careers.

4. Tourism has been the bread and butter of this small coastal town for years.

5. His singing gigs are fun, but his office job is still his bread and butter.

Synonyms of the Idiom “Be Your Bread and Butter”

• Primary income source

• Main occupation

• Livelihood

• Means of support

Antonyms of the Idiom “Be Your Bread and Butter”

• Side hustle

• Occasional work

• Hobby

• Backup income

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Using the Idiom “Be Your Bread and Butter”

• Using it to describe hobbies or entertainment

Incorrect: Watching films is my bread and butter.

Correct: Freelance article writing is my bread and butter.

• Using it in the contexts that are not income-related

Incorrect: Reading novels is my bread and butter.

Correct: Writing book reviews after every read is my bread and butter.

• Using the wrong verb

Incorrect: It is her bread or butter.

Correct: It is her bread and butter.

A Sample Scenario to Use the Idiom “Be Your Bread and Butter”

Imagine an individual who is passionate about music but is working as a website developer to pay their bills. In a conversation with someone, they may say, “Music is my passion, but website development is my bread and butter.”

They may rely on their website development job to manage daily expenses and save for future creative projects. Even though it isn’t their dream job, it supports their livelihood steadily.

Practice Exercise

Exercise 1: Choose the Suitable Idiom to Complete the Sentence

1. Even though she enjoys painting, teaching is her _________.
   a) walk in the park
   b) bread and butter
   c) cold shoulder
   d) storm in a teacup

2. For most farmers in this region, growing rice is their __________.

a) Achilles’ heel
b) white elephant

c) last straw

d)  bread and butter

Exercise 2: IELTS Speaking Part 2 Practice

Instruction: Write a small paragraph for this IELTS Speaking question by using the idiom "Be Your Bread And Butter."

Question: Describe a career you would like to have in the future.

I would like to become a professional content creator someday. Though I enjoy doing photography and writing, I really hope content creation becomes my bread and butter in future. Because it is something I am really passionate about, and transforming it into a full-time income source would be ideal.

Exercise 3: IELTS Writing Task 2 Practice

Instruction: Write a paragraph that clearly uses the idiom "Be Your Bread And Butter."

Question: Some people believe it is better to follow your passion for a career, while others think it is more important to focus on income. Discuss both views and give your opinion.

Sample Paragraph:
Many people may argue that pursuing their passion leads to job satisfaction, while others feel that a stable income is more practical. While it is ideal to combine both of them, individuals often tend to choose jobs that are their bread and butter, even when they are not passionate about them. In my view, finding a balance between earning a good income and enjoying your work is the key to long-term career success.

b) bread and butter

D) bread and butter

Some More Sentence Examples Based On the Idiom “Be Your Bread and Butter” 

• “Actually, working as an accountant is my bread and butter although I don’t love it very much. I like to be a dancer.”

• “Nowadays, the university graduates feel difficult to find their bread and butter because the labour market is so harshly competitive. “

• “Jack needs to find his bread and butter as soon as possible; he has been being all out money for 3 weeks”

The idiom ‘Be Your Bread And Butter’ is a versatile and expressive phrase that can describe a person pursuing something mainly for their proper source of income that is opposite of their passion. Mastering idioms like this helps learners sound more natural and understand the emotional depth of English conversations.

Also Check:

• Cash-flow Problem - Idiom of the Day for IELTS  
• Once in a Blue Moon Idiom: Meaning, Definition & Synonyms
• A Leopard Cannot Change His Spots – Idiom of the Day for IELTS  
• Play It By Ear Idiom: Meaning, Origin, Usage & Exercises  
• The most Common Idioms to Boost Your IELTS Score – Topic : Help and encouragement