bread–and–butter

adjective

: basic and important

: dependable as a source of income or success

Full Definition of BREAD-AND-BUTTER

a : being as basic as the earning of one's livelihood <bread–and–butter issues>

b (1) : reliable <our bread–and–butter repertoire> (2) : dependable as a source of income <a company's bread–and–butter products>

: sent or given as thanks for hospitality <a bread–and–butter letter>

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circa 1837

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