bread and butter

== English == === Etymology === (This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.) === Pronunciation === === Noun === bread and butter sg or pl (idiomatic) That which is central or fundamental, as to one's business, survival, or income; a staple or cornerstone. (idiomatic) The basic requirements of living, such as food and housing. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see bread,‎ butter. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== bread-and-butter ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== guns and butter === Interjection === bread and butter Said when two people walking together are temporarily separated by an obstacle in order to indicate that they belong together.