Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
Daily EnglishSocial EnglishProfessional EnglishVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Recognize money-related uses of “bread” and discuss household support without assuming one family role.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptThis episode focuses on bread-related expressions for money and work. “Bread” and “dough” can mean money; a “breadwinner” earns income that supports others; “bring home the bacon” means earn money; “take the bread out of someone’s mouth” means threaten their livelihood; and “on the breadline” describes severe poverty.
Cultural note: “Breadwinner” can suggest a single earner or a traditional family role. “On the breadline” refers to serious material hardship and is not a joking synonym for being short of spending money. The lesson complements earlier coverage by focusing on household support and the more serious livelihood expressions.
Keep exploringBread can mean food, money, or a family’s livelihood. The expressions range from casual slang to serious language about poverty.
Phrase guide · 6 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Recognize informal uses of bread and dough for money.
Meaning
Informal slang for money.
Tone & use
Casual and somewhat dated in some contexts. “Money” or “income” is clearer in professional settings.
Example
“He picked up an extra shift to make a little more bread for the month.”
Meaning
Informal slang for money.
Tone & use
Casual and often playful; it is not usually used in formal financial discussion.
Example
“The repair shop charged more dough than I expected, so I asked for an itemized bill.”
Talk about income and supporting a household without assuming one earner.
Meaning
A person who earns money that supports a household or family.
Tone & use
Understandable but can imply one primary earner. “They help support the household” is more neutral when roles are shared.
Example
“Both adults in the household are breadwinners, and they share care responsibilities too.”
Meaning
Earn money to support yourself or others.
Tone & use
Informal and idiomatic. In precise conversation, say “earn income” or “support the household.”
Example
“They both bring home the bacon while taking turns caring for their children.”
Understand expressions for losing income or facing poverty.
Meaning
Take away someone’s ability to earn a living or obtain basic support.
Tone & use
Strong and dramatic. Use only when a person’s livelihood is genuinely threatened.
Example
“The proposed closure could take the bread out of the mouths of workers who depend on the plant.”
Meaning
In a condition of serious poverty or needing essential food support.
Tone & use
A serious expression, not a light joke about a small personal expense.
Example
“After the factory closed, several families in the town were left close to the breadline.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3
