Even in today's plant-based world, people still talk about "bringing home the bacon" when they succeed or earn money. This meaty metaphor, which has nothing to do with grocery shopping, originated from a peculiar medieval competition that had newlyweds competing for a side of bacon.

The Great Dunmow Flitch

In 1104, the Priory of Little Dunmow in Essex, England, started a unique tradition: any married couple who could prove they hadn't regretted their marriage or quarreled for a year and a day would be awarded a flitch (side) of bacon. The competition, known as the Dunmow Flitch Trials, became so popular that it attracted couples from across England. Talk about relationship goals!

How It's Used Today

The phrase has evolved far beyond its matrimonial origins to become a metaphor for earning money or achieving success. And let's be honest - who doesn't love a good food-related metaphor? Here are some common uses:

• "She just got promoted to senior manager - she's really bringing home the bacon now!"
• "With three bestselling novels, this author is definitely bringing home the bacon."
• "Both parents are working hard, bringing home the bacon to support their family."

Similar Expressions Around the World

Different cultures have their own ways of describing earning a living, and honestly, they're all making us hungry:

• French: "Gagner son pain" (To earn one's bread)
• Spanish: "Ganarse los frijoles" (To earn one's beans)
• German: "Die Brötchen verdienen" (To earn the bread rolls)
• Japanese: "Pan wo kuu" (To eat bread)

The Lasting Impact

What started as a quirky medieval marriage test (because apparently, giving away bacon was the ultimate way to judge a happy marriage) has become one of the English language's most enduring metaphors for success and providing for others. It's fascinating how a 12th-century bacon competition evolved into a universal symbol of achievement, transcending its original meaning to remain relevant in our modern world - whether you're team bacon or team plant-based!