bread and butter

someone's bread and butter

Fig. someone's basic income; someone's livelihood—the source of one's food. I can't miss another day of work. That's my bread and butter. I worked as a bartender for a year, and it was the tips that were my bread and butter.

See also: and, bread, butter

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somebody's bread and butter  (informal)

a job or activity that provides you with the money you need to live Teaching at the local college is his bread and butter.

See also: and, bread, butter

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your bread and butter

something that provides you with regular income Our customers are our bread and butter, so treat them with respect.

See also: and, bread, butter