PhrasesHub

White bread

    Definitions

      • ordinary, unremarkable
        Describing something as plain or unexciting, often in comparison to something more interesting or unique

      • lacking diversity
        Referring to a lack of variety or diversity in a particular situation or context

      • mainstream
        Referring to something that is common or widely accepted, often in a cultural or societal context

    Examples of White bread

    • Prices are rising at a rapid rate, and inflation is becoming a serious concern. The economy is turning into a white bread market, where everything is expensive and out of reach for the common man.

      The idiom "white bread market" refers to a market where only the most basic and expensive products are available, leaving little to no room for affordable or budget options. It is derived from the fact that White bread is often considered a luxury item in some parts of the world, and is more expensive than more basic and affordable options like brown bread or whole wheat bread. By comparing the current state of the economy to a white bread market, the speaker is highlighting the extreme costliness and inaccessibility of basic goods and services in the current economic climate.

    • The advertisement painted a picture of a perfect family, with white bread as the staple food.

      In this example, the idiom "white bread" is used to describe something that is overly simplistic, conventional, and lacking in complexity or originality. Here, it's used figuratively to describe a traditional, standard family portrayed in an advertisement, which may seem perfect or unrealistic.

    • The city officials promised to deliver amenities to the rural areas, but all they brought were white bread promises.

      The figurative expression "white bread promises" is used to explain that the officials' commitments were hollow and unfulfilling, similar to the bland flatness of white bread.

    • His ideas were as plain as white bread.

      In this example, "white bread" is used metaphorically to denote something that is bland, unremarkable, and unoriginal. Here, it's used to describe how commonplace or unoriginal someone's ideas may be.

    • She tried to keep up with the latest fashion trends, but her style was still as white bread as eternity.

      In this example, "white bread as eternity" is a hyperbolic and exaggerated expression, where "white bread" represents an extreme level of monotony, and "eternity" signifies endlessness. Here, it's used to describe how someone's style has remained static and unchanging for an eternity-like duration.

    • He's been living on white bread and water since he lost his job.

      This example uses the "white bread" idiom to describe a simple and meager diet, essentially consisting of basic, unenriched bread and water. It is often used to imply a lack of resources or financial struggles.

    • The company's products have become white bread in a sea of innovative competitors.

      In this example, "white bread" is being used to describe a product or service that is unremarkable, unoriginal, or lacking in distinguishing features. It implies that the product or service is bland, unremarkable, and unremarkable compared to its competitors.

    • The actress's career has been stale and uninspired, she's become white bread in this town full of talented performers.

      This example continues with the theme of "white bread" signifying a lack of innovation or originality. It is being used to describe a person who no longer excels in their field due to a lack of energy, creativity, or enthusiasm.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "white bread" can be used to describe something as ordinary or unremarkable, as lacking diversity, or as mainstream and widely accepted.

    Origin of "White bread"

    The origin of the idiom "white bread" can be traced back to the early 20th century in the United States. At that time, white bread was seen as a symbol of the mainstream, as it was the most commonly consumed type of bread. This led to the use of "white bread" as a metaphor for anything that was considered ordinary or lacking in diversity. Over time, the idiom has become ingrained in the English language and is used to convey the idea of something being unremarkable or mainstream. The association of "white bread" with plainness and lack of variety has cemented its usage as a descriptive term in various contexts.