PhrasesHub

Bring home the bacon

    Definitions

      • Provide for one's family or household
        Being the main breadwinner or source of income for a family or household, often used in a traditional gender role context of men working outside the home while women take care of the domestic duties.

      • Succeed or achieve something significant
        Accomplishing a goal or task, often used in a competitive or career-driven context.

      • Earn a living or make money
        Working and earning a salary, often used in a financial or economic context.

    Examples of Bring home the bacon

    • My husband works really hard to bring home the bacon, while I take care of the kids and household chores.

      This idiom is commonly used to describe someone, typically a man or husband's role, in providing financial support for his family (bacon being the food item that represents money).

    • After the company's successful negotiation, our sales team really brought home the bacon.

      This idiom can be used to describe someone or a group's successful achievements that brings financial benefits to the organization.

    • When you're in the kitchen, don't forget that the best way to bring home the bacon is to cook it first.

      This is a fun and creative way to utilize the phrase outside of its common context. Here, it refers to the importance of preparing yourself for success, by gaining relevant skills and knowledge through learning or training.

    • This company doesn't just bring home the bacon, they also make the sizzle.

      This extended version of the idiom refers to not just making money, but also earning a good reputation or recognition. Here, 'sizzle' represents the extra value or intangible benefits that exceed just financial gain.

    • The hardworking sales executive always tries to bring home the bacon for his family. He puts in long hours at work and closes many deals to provide for his loved ones.

      This idiom means to earn money or provide financial support for one's family. The phrase "Bring home the bacon" refers to the traditional image of a man bringing home a pig, which was a valuable source of meat for 18th century families. Today, the expression is used more generally to indicate someone who generates income or provides financial support for their family.

    • The successful athlete felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as he brought home the bacon for his team in the championship game. His performance not only earned him personal glory but also contributed to his team's success.

      This example shows that the expression "bring home the bacon" can also be used to refer to someone's contribution to a group effort. In this case, the athlete's game-winning performance brought home the bacon for his team by securing them the championship title.

    • As a freelancer, it's not always easy to bring home the bacon consistently. Some months are busier than others, and the income can fluctuate greatly.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used in relation to freelance work or self-employment. The expression "bring home the bacon" implies a sense of stability and financial security, which can be more difficult to achieve as a freelancer. This example highlights the potential challenges and unpredictability that come with working as an independent contractor.

    • The struggling small business owner felt a sense of relief as he finally brought home the bacon after months of financial hardship. His perseverance and determination paid off, and he was able to provide for his family once again.

      This example shows how the expression "bring home the bacon" can be used to indicate a sense of triumph and achievement, particularly in the face of adversity. In this case, the small business owner's financial success allowed him to provide for his family, which was a significant accomplishment after months of financial hardship.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "bring home the bacon" is a versatile phrase that can be used in various contexts. It can refer to providing for one's family or household, achieving success, or earning a living. In all of these meanings, the common thread is the idea of being able to support oneself and others financially.

    In the first meaning, the idiom is often used in a traditional gender role context, where men are expected to be the main breadwinners for their families. This usage can be seen as outdated and reinforces gender stereotypes, but it is still commonly used in certain cultures and societies.

    In the second meaning, "bring home the bacon" is used to describe achieving a goal or succeeding in a competitive environment. This usage can be traced back to the early 20th century, when the phrase was popularized in sports and referred to winning a prize or championship.

    In the third meaning, the idiom is used in a more general sense of earning a living or making money. This usage can be seen in both personal and professional contexts, where individuals are working to support themselves and their families.

    Origin of "Bring home the bacon"

    The origin of the idiom "bring home the bacon" is uncertain, but there are a few theories about its origins. One theory suggests that it originated from a medieval custom where a church would award a "flitch of bacon," or a side of cured pork, to a married couple who had been happily married for a year and a day. This was seen as a symbol of a successful marriage, hence the phrase "bringing home the bacon."

    Another theory suggests that the phrase originated from the American South in the early 20th century, where pig-butchering was a common practice. The person who was able to kill the pig and bring home the meat was seen as the provider for the family, thus "bringing home the bacon."

    Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom has been used in English since at least the 16th century and has evolved to have various meanings and connotations. Today, it is a widely recognized phrase that is often used in both formal and informal contexts.