put food on the table: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘put food on the table’ mean?
The idiom "put food on the table" means to provide the necessary income or means to support oneself and one's family.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "put up" means to tolerate or endure a difficult situation or person. It can also refer to providing accommodations for someone temporarily.
The idiom "put up" is a versatile expression commonly used in American English. It has multiple meanings, some of which are more prevalent than others.
The idiom "put to work" means to utilize or employ someone or something for a particular purpose or task.
The idiom "put the feedbag on" means to start eating, often in a hearty or greedy manner. It is derived from the act of putting a feedbag on a horse to provide it with food.
Idiom: put the feedbag on
The idiom "put store in" means to have confidence or belief in something or someone, and to place importance or value on that person or thing.
The idiom "put someone on to" means to introduce or make someone aware of something, usually a person or an idea.
Put on the map is an idiom that means to gain recognition or become well-known. It refers to the act of bringing something or someone into public attention, making them more notable or important.
The idiom "put on the map" is a common expression used to bring something or someone to public attention or recognition. It signifies making someone or something known, usually in a positive way, to a wider audience or community.
The idiom "put forward" means to propose or suggest something for consideration or discussion. It is often used when presenting an idea, argument, or opinion in a formal setting or during a meeting.
The idiom "put facts on the ground" means to establish or provide concrete evidence or proof to support one's statements or claims.
The idiom "pull one's weight" means to contribute one's fair share of effort or work in a group or team.
The idiom "pull one's weight" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It refers to someone who is contributing their fair share of effort or work to a group or team. The idiom has its roots in the early 20th century and is derived from the literal act of physically pulling something with one's own strength.
Hidden Livelihoods
Put food on the table is an idiom commonly used in American English. It is a figurative expression that refers to earning money to provide for one's basic needs, particularly in terms of food. The idiom emphasizes the importance of financial stability and the necessity of having a steady income to sustain oneself and one's family. The phrase itself consists of three key elements: "put," "food," and "table." Each of these contributes to the overall meaning and significance of the idiom. The word "put" in this context conveys the idea of providing or supplying. It suggests an active and intentional effort to ensure that one's family has enough to eat. The term highlights the responsibility and agency of the individual in meeting the basic needs of their household. "Food" pertains to nourishment, sustenance, and edible substances. It represents the essential requirement for survival and well-being, symbolizing the fundamental necessity of sustenance for a healthy and fulfilling life. The term "table" in the idiom represents the physical surface where meals are typically prepared and consumed within a home setting. It symbolizes the nurturing environment and domestic sphere where families come together to eat, share, and connect. Thus, "table" signifies not only the act of providing food but also fostering familial unity and support. When combined, these three elements create a powerful and evocative image of individuals diligently working to earn money and fulfill their responsibility to provide sustenance for their loved ones. The idiom encapsulates the pervasive societal imperative to secure stable employment and generate enough income to ensure a proper standard of living. "bring to the table" is another idiom related to "put food on the table." It refers to offering or contributing something of value or importance. It implies that individuals have unique skills, qualities, or resources that they can bring to a situation or relationship. This idiom is often used in professional contexts to emphasize the importance of individuals bringing their expertise or contributions to a team or organization. In the context of "putting food on the table," the idiom "bring to the table" highlights the idea that individuals not only earn money but also bring their unique skills, knowledge, and capabilities to provide for their families. It emphasizes the importance of individuals leveraging their strengths and contributions to ensure financial stability and meet the basic needs of their loved ones. Another related idiom is "earning one's crust," which means to earn a living or make enough money to support oneself. This idiom emphasizes the idea that individuals must work hard and earn their income to sustain themselves. It suggests that individuals need to put in effort and dedication to secure financial stability and fulfill their responsibilities. In the context of "putting food on the table," the idiom "earning one's crust" further highlights the idea that individuals must actively work and earn their income to provide for their families. It reinforces the notion that financial stability requires hard work and perseverance. Finally, the idiom "pay the bills" is closely related to "put food on the table." It refers to the act of meeting financial obligations and responsibilities, particularly in terms of paying for essential expenses such as rent, utilities, and other bills. This idiom underscores the importance of having a steady income to cover necessary expenses and maintain a stable and comfortable living situation. In the context of "putting food on the table," the idiom "pay the bills" emphasizes the broader financial responsibilities that individuals must fulfill to ensure the well-being of their families. It highlights the need for individuals to have a reliable and consistent income to meet various financial obligations, including providing food and paying for other essential expenses. "put food on the table" is an idiom that represents the act of earning money to provide for one's basic needs, particularly in terms of food. It symbolizes the importance of financial stability and the responsibility individuals have in meeting the needs of their families. Additionally, related idioms such as "bring to the table," "earn one's crust," and "pay the bills" further emphasize the importance of leveraging one's skills, working hard, and fulfilling financial obligations to ensure a comfortable and secure living situation. While deeply rooted in American English, these idioms resonate universally, reflecting the fundamental human need to protect and provide for one's family. They prompt individuals to reflect on the societal structures and economic conditions that influence their ability to "put food on the table" and highlight the significance of creating a society that prioritizes equal opportunities and access to resources. Through these idioms, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of our everyday lives and the importance of financial stability in fostering overall well-being.
Example usage
1. She works two jobs in order to put food on the table for her children.
2. He took a promotion at work to be able to put food on the table for his family.
3. The struggling musician took up a part-time job to put food on the table while pursuing his passion.
More "Provision" idioms
We missed the mark - nothing found.
