Bring Home the Bacon
Years ago, a husband’s job was to bring home the bacon. Wives took care of the home and children. Today, they often share those responsibilities.
To bring home the bacon means to earn money.
In most cases, the person:
- Has a job
- Receives a salary
- Provides for the family or others
Bring home the bacon also means to be successful.
The person wins or achieves desired results. That holds true in both employment and sports. The bacon may include:
- A prize
- Position
- Money
Two possible origins frequently appear for this expression.
- In greased pig contests, whoever catches the pig often receives it as a prize. That occurs at county fairs and other special events.
- In the twelfth century, people who proved devotion to their marriage were awarded a pig.
Hard work offers great rewards.
Bringing home the bacon in the form of a paycheck is nice, but so is the satisfaction of a job well done. Everyone benefits from quality work. The fruit of good labor is sweet indeed.
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God” (Ecclesiastes 3:13 NIV).
Thanks to Gail Gosser for the suggestion and to Charlie VanLeuven, editor of The Casey County News for the photo.
Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.
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8 thoughts on “Bring Home the Bacon”
After reading this post, I’m thinking about frying some bacon. haha! Have a blessed day! 🙂
It does make us hungry, doesn’t it, Melissa? Especially first thing in the morning. Blessings on your day.
I never knew the origin of bringing home the bacon, but this makes perfect sense. Blessings, Diana!
Martha, I knew the first possible origin but not the second one. I learn new information about so many of these expressions. Have a wonderful day!
The pig prize made me smile. At this stage of life, I might forfeit. 🐷
I think I would forfeit or regift it, Beckham. Have a wonderful holiday week.
“Bringing home the bacon” in the figurative meaning brings satisfaction, to feel we’ve done well in supporting our families or achieved a certain milestone. I’m not really a fan of consuming bacon, but I know many folks are. I enjoyed your message, Diana.
I’m not a big bacon fan either, Katherine, but I like the message of this expression. Have a wonderful week!