bring home the bacon

/brɪŋ hoʊm ðə ˈbeɪkən/◆idiom

earn money to support one's family

After losing his job, Mark had to work two shifts to bring home the bacon.

Mark needed extra work to earn enough money for his family after being unemployed.

◆ What It Really Means

To earn enough money to support one's family or dependents, emphasizing the responsibility and effort involved.

¶ Literal Meaning

To physically carry bacon to one's home.

Literal Breakdown

bringto carry or transport+hometo one's residence+the bacona cured pork product

◇ Mental Image

The mental picture is of someone carrying a valuable food item (bacon) home, symbolizing the importance of providing for one's family. The bacon represents sustenance and prosperity.

◈ When to Use

Imagine a parent working late at night to finish a project so they can receive a bonus. When they tell their family, 'I brought home the bacon tonight,' they mean they earned extra money to support them.

◉ Cultural Note

The phrase reflects early 20th-century American values where bacon was a common and affordable food staple. It became popular during the Great Depression as a symbol of making ends meet. Over time, it evolved into a metaphor for financial responsibility.

informal

to earn money to support one's family or oneself financially

She wakes up early every day to bring home the bacon for her kids.

She works hard to earn enough money to take care of her children.

Many people believe the husband should bring home the bacon, but times are changing.

Many people think the traditional role of the husband is to be the primary earner.

Often implies the effort required to provide for dependents, not just earning any income.

Collocations

bring home the bacon every dayto consistently earn enough money to support one's familystruggle to bring home the baconto have difficulty earning enough money

Synonyms

earn a living make ends meet support one's family keep the wolf from the door

Antonyms

live off welfare be financially dependent mooch off others

a playful extension of the idiom, emphasizing both earning and preparing food for the family

bring home the bacon and eggsidiom

a humorous variation implying a more substantial meal and thus greater financial success

Pro Tip

Avoiding Gender Stereotypes

While the idiom traditionally implies a male breadwinner, modern usage applies to anyone earning income to support their family. Avoid assuming gender roles when using this phrase.

Gold Rule

Context Matters

Use 'bring home the bacon' when discussing financial responsibility for dependents, not for general income generation. For example, 'He brings home the bacon for his three children' is correct, but 'She brings home the bacon from her part-time job' may sound odd unless she is the sole or primary earner.

Word Origin

The phrase dates back to the early 20th century, originating from a 1906 newspaper advertisement for a breakfast food product called 'bringing home the bacon.' It later evolved to mean providing for one's family financially, as bacon was a staple food item that symbolized sustenance and prosperity.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in American and British English to emphasize the importance of earning money to support a household. It reflects traditional gender roles but is now used broadly regardless of who earns the income.

Word Breakdown

bring

to carry or deliver

verb

home

to one's place of residence

adverb

the bacon

a food item symbolizing sustenance and prosperity

noun phrase

English Dictionary

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