Bread is a kind of common food in our life. But most people like to put butter. Bread and butter is a classic combination. "Bread and butter" also means something wonderful-a way to make money!
Some word experts say the expression "bread and butter" began in Europe and England during the Middle Ages. So, bread and butter was important food. And that is what the expression "bread and butter" meant for many years- a basic item for life. People began using it to mean the way they earned a living. So, that is the origin. Here is how you can use it.
Let's say you really like to write and perform songs. But you do not make enough money by doing those things. So you get a job as a website designer. If someone asks what you do, you could say, "Well, I'm a musician. But designing websites is my bread -and-butter." making music does not. We can say you depend on web design for your "bread and butter". If you really like your job and it pays well, you probably want to keep it. And if you work for someone else, you probably want to keep them happy. "To know which side your bread is buttered on" means you are aware of the people who can help you. But this expression has a bad feel to it. It means being unusually aware of how others can help you.
A. Then around the 1600s, the meaning changed.
B. Some people like to spread chocolate on its top.
C. In other words, designing websites pays your bills.
D. In other words, you should know which side your bread is buttered on.
E. At that time, many farmers could only afford bread and butter as their meal.
