PhrasesHub

The best thing since sliced bread

    Definitions

      • describe something as being exceptionally good or innovative
        To express great admiration or approval for something, often in a sarcastic or exaggerated manner

      • highlight the significance of something
        To emphasize the impact or importance of something, often in a humorous or ironic way

    Examples of The best thing since sliced bread

    • "The new smartwatch is the best thing since sliced bread. It has all the features I need and more, making my life so much easier."

      This idiom is used to describe something that is incredibly useful or innovative, and has significantly improved people's lives. The phrase "the best thing since sliced bread" implies that the new smartwatch is as groundbreaking and convenient as the invention of sliced bread, which revolutionized the way people buy and consume bread. In other words, the smartwatch is an exceptional product that has made a significant impact on people's daily routines.


    Conclusion

    This idiom is often used to express great admiration for something, comparing it to the invention of sliced bread which is considered a major innovation in the food industry. It can also be used sarcastically or ironically to highlight the significance of something, often in a humorous way.

    Origin of "The best thing since sliced bread"

    The phrase "the best thing since sliced bread" originated in the 1920s when sliced bread was first introduced by inventor Otto Frederick Rohwedder. Before this invention, people had to slice their own bread at home. With the introduction of pre-sliced bread, it quickly became a popular convenience and was even referred to as "the greatest forward step in the baking industry since bread was wrapped".

    The phrase gained popularity during the Great Depression, as sliced bread was seen as a symbol of progress and modernization. It became a common expression to describe something as the best or most innovative thing since sliced bread.

    Today, the idiom is still widely used and has become a part of everyday language to describe something as exceptional or groundbreaking. It is often used in a lighthearted and humorous manner to convey admiration or to highlight the significance of something.