a little bit of bread and no cheese
Used to represent the song of the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The bird sings a little bit of bread and no cheese.”
“Listen closely to the yellowhammer as it sings a little bit of bread and no cheese.”
“In the quiet of the meadow, the yellowhammer repeats its distinct song, a little bit of bread and no cheese, throughout the afternoon.”
disputed origin
Onomatopoeic; the bird’s song is thought to resemble the rhythm of the phrase.
- 01
a little bird told me
I received the information from a source which I am not prepared to disclose.
- 02
a little from column A, a little from column B
A combination of two factors or reasons.
- 03
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 04
best thing since sliced bread
Alternative form of greatest thing since sliced bread.
- 05
big cheese
A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
- 06
bit by a barn mouse
tipsy; slightly drunk
- 07
bits and bobs
A random assortment of things; small remaining pieces and items.
- 08
bread and butter
That which is central or fundamental, as to one's business, survival, or income; a staple or cornerstone.
Last updated August 10, 2026