- To earn the primary income for a family or household.
- Can also mean to achieve success or win something.
Explanation
Origin
- Disputed origins, likely early 20th century popularization.
- Theory 1: 12th-century Dunmow Flitch custom (bacon awarded to harmonious couples).
- Theory 2: Catching a greased pig (prize = bacon = success/money) at fairs.
- Regardless, bacon symbolizes a valuable commodity (food/money/prize).
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Be the main money maker
- Pay the bills / Keep the lights on (Focus on covering expenses)
- Stacking bread / Getting that paper (Urban slang for earning money, less emphasis on providing for family specifically)
- Be the meal ticket (Can sometimes sound slightly negative/transactional)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- (No direct common vulgar equivalent focused on *providing*. Vulgar terms usually relate to *earning large amounts* or *spending*.)
Milder/Formal:
- Be the primary wage earner
- Provide the main source of income
- Support the household financially
- (For success): Achieve the objective, Secure the victory.
Situational Appropriateness
- Mostly informal, feels a bit folksy or traditional.
- Widely understood but might sound slightly dated to some.
- Be mindful it can sometimes unintentionally reinforce traditional gender roles, though often used neutrally today for any primary earner.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Could potentially be misunderstood literally (bringing actual bacon). Context usually clarifies it means earning money or succeeding.
Examples
- Since her husband lost his job, she's been working extra hours to bring home the bacon.
- He's the main breadwinner; he brings home the bacon.
- (Success context): Our team worked hard and finally brought home the bacon by winning the championship!
Dialogue
A: It must be tough for Mark, juggling work and night school.
B: Yeah, but he's determined to bring home the bacon for his family and build a better future.
A: That's really admirable.
Social Media Examples
- Post: Big shoutout to my partner who works tirelessly to bring home the bacon so I can pursue my art. ❤️ #grateful #provider #family
- Bio section: Dad, husband, just trying to bring home the bacon.
- Sports News Headline: Local Team Brings Home the Bacon with Last-Minute Goal!
Response Patterns
- Acknowledgment: That's a big responsibility. / Good for them.
- Respect: Wow, that takes hard work.
- Inquiry: What kind of work do they do? (if context is earning income)
- Congratulations: Well done! (if context is success)
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- Discussing the person's job or the family's financial situation.
- Talking about the specific success or achievement.
- Expressing appreciation for the provider.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- Usually part of a description of someone's role or achievement.
Intonation
- Often said with respect for the earner's effort or pride in achievement.
- Stress typically on BRING, HOME, and BACON.
Generation Differences
- More common among older generations (40+) but generally understood by younger people, though they might use be the breadwinner more often.
Regional Variations
- Common in US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.