# burn bread

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/burn-bread
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To cause something unfortunate to happen to (someone) by mentioning it; to jinx something for (someone).

## Examples

- Don't talk about the promotion yet, or you might burn bread.
- I was going to tell everyone about my new job, but I did not want to burn bread for myself before the contract was signed.
- He remained silent about his upcoming travel plans, fearing that speaking too soon would burn bread and invite unforeseen obstacles to his journey.

## Origin

From the folkloric association that charred or burnt bread serves as a harbinger of ill fortune or a general indication of unfortunate events to come.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.