bread and butter (to be one’s) [exp]

Meaning:

• a thing that is the matter of survival.

Examples:

1. I told my father quit his job because this is heavy and harmful for his health. But he says this is his bread and butter.
2. Graphic designing is my bread and butter, but I’m also exploring photography as a side hustle.
3. The new client’s project is crucial; it’s our bread and butter this quarter.
4. Farming has been his bread and butter for decades, but he’s considering retirement soon.
5. She loves playing the piano, but teaching music is her bread and butter.
6. For many small businesses, holiday sales are their bread and butter, making up the bulk of annual revenue.
7. The local bakery’s bread and butter is their artisanal sourdough, which attracts customers from miles away.