bread and butter

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bread and butter (uncountable)

1. Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see bread,‎ butter.
2. (idiomatic) That which is central or fundamental, as to one's business, survival, or income; a staple or cornerstone.

   They will do some machining if you ask them, but sheet metal has always been their bread and butter.

• bread-and-butter
• bread-and-butter pickle
• bread-and-butter note
• bread-and-butter issue
• bread-and-butter letter
• bread and butter pudding