know which side bread is buttered on

know which side (one's) bread is buttered (on)

To know how to best ensure one's success. I know which side my bread is buttered on, so I was very nice to the recruiter and promptly sent her a thank you card after our interview.

See also: bread, butter, know, side

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

know which side one's bread is buttered on

Prov. to be aware of where your money comes from; to be loyal to the person or thing that will benefit you the most. Wife: Please be sure not to upset Grandma. You know we can't do without the money she sends us every month. Husband: Don't worry. I know which side my bread is buttered on.

See also: bread, butter, know, on, side

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.