bread and butter: Meaning and Definition of

bread' and but'ter

1. bread spread with butter.
2. a basic means of support; source of livelihood; sustenance: The automobile industry is the bread and butter of many Detroiters.

bread-and-but•ter

1. providing a livelihood or basic source of income; supplying the basic needs of life: a bread-and-butter job; the agency's bread-and-butter account.
2. of or pertaining to basic needs: housing and other bread-and-butter political issues.
3. basic or everyday; staple; routine.
4. expressing thanks for hospitality: a bread-and-butter letter.