Understanding idioms is crucial when preparing for the IELTS exam, especially in the writing and speaking sections. Idioms can showcase your ability to use English creatively and naturally. One such idiom is “bring home the bacon”. In this article, we’ll dive deep into understanding this idiom, its relevance in IELTS, and how you can use it effectively along with other related phrases.
Understanding “Bring Home the Bacon”
“Bring home the bacon” is an idiom that means to earn money or provide financial support for a family or household. It originated from early 20th-century English and remains popular in modern usage. Let’s break down its use in various contexts:
Meaning and Pronunciation
- Pronunciation: /brɪŋ hoʊm ðə ˈbeɪ.kən/
- Type: Idiom
- Definition: To earn a salary or to be financially successful
- Example in Sentence: “After graduating from university, he finally started to bring home the bacon.”
Synonyms and Antonyms
Below are some synonyms and antonyms for “bring home the bacon”:
- Earn a living
- Pronunciation: /ɜrn ə ˈlɪvɪŋ/
- Example: She works two jobs to earn a living and support her family.
- Make ends meet
- Pronunciation: /meɪk ɛndz mit/
- Example: Despite the hard times, they managed to make ends meet.
- Support the family
- Pronunciation: /səˈpɔrt ðə ˈfæmɪli/
- Example: He has been working tirelessly to support the family.
- Be the breadwinner
- Pronunciation: /bi ðə ˈbrɛdˌwɪnər/
- Example: She became the breadwinner after her husband’s illness.
- Generate income
- Pronunciation: /ˈdʒɛnəˌreɪt ˈɪnkʌm/
- Example: The business started to generate income within six months.
Antonyms:
- Spend
- Pronunciation: /spɛnd/
- Example: He tends to spend more than he earns.
- Waste money
- Pronunciation: /weɪst ˈmʌni/
- Example: She wastes money on unnecessary purchases.
Relevance in IELTS
Using idioms like “bring home the bacon” can enrich your responses in both the writing and speaking sections of the IELTS exam. Here are some points to consider:
Writing Section
In the Writing section, idioms can help explain your thoughts more vividly. For instance, when discussing employment or financial stability in Task 2 essays, you might reference how someone “brings home the bacon” to highlight their role in supporting a family.
Writing Task Example:
Prompt: Some people think that having a single career is becoming outdated. The new fashion will be to have several careers and ways of earning money. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
Model Answer:
In today’s dynamic job market, having just one career throughout one’s life seems increasingly impractical. With economic shifts and technological advancements, many individuals are now finding multiple ways to bring home the bacon. This trend not only ensures financial stability but also allows people to pursue various interests concurrently.
Speaking Section
In the Speaking section, using idioms can make your speech sound more natural. When asked about roles within the family or careers, referring to who “brings home the bacon” can impress examiners with your language proficiency.
Speaking Part Example:
Prompt: Describe a person who has made a significant impact on your life.
Model Answer:
I’d like to talk about my mother. She’s always been the one to bring home the bacon in our family. Not only does she maintain a demanding job, but she also ensures our household runs smoothly.
Combining “Bring Home the Bacon” with Other Phrases
Using idioms effectively often involves combining them with other related phrases to create a cohesive and compelling argument. Here are some examples:
-
Economic stability
- “In today’s economy, it’s crucial for both partners to work to bring home the bacon and ensure economic stability.”
-
Family support
- “Helen’s ability to bring home the bacon has been paramount in supporting her family through tough financial times.”
-
Career advancement
- “Many young professionals are eager to advance in their careers to start bringing home the bacon.”
Related Idioms and Phrases
Expanding your idiomatic vocabulary can better prepare you for the IELTS exam. Here are a few related idioms:
- Make a living
- Example: “He makes a living by working as a freelance writer.”
- Get the ball rolling
- Example: “We need to get the ball rolling on this project to start bringing home the bacon.”
- Keep the wolf from the door
- Example: “She took up a part-time job to keep the wolf from the door.”
Conclusion
Mastering idioms like “bring home the bacon” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance. Not only do they add color to your writing and speaking, but they also demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency. Practice incorporating this idiom and related phrases into your responses to leave a lasting impression on the examiners.
For additional resources on idiomatic expressions and their usage in IELTS, you can explore this related article: Cash Cow Idiom in IELTS.