greatest thing since sliced bread
Something amazing, outstanding or praiseworthy, especially a relatively recent invention likely to improve people's lives.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He thinks his new phone is the greatest thing since sliced bread.”
“You act like this air fryer is the greatest thing since sliced bread.”
“Everyone says the new software update is the greatest thing since sliced bread because it saves so much time.”
“My grandmother thinks her new robotic vacuum is the greatest thing since sliced bread because she no longer has to bend over to clean the floors.”
“While some critics remained skeptical, the inventor insisted that his revolutionary energy-saving device was the greatest thing since sliced bread.”
first recorded 20th c.
The phrase is an adaptation of an advertising slogan used in 1928 by the Chillicothe Baking Company. As the first commercial entity to sell pre-sliced loaves, the company marketed the innovation as the greatest forward step in the baking industry since bread was wrapped. The current superlative form emerged through later colloquial use, though it preserves the specific commercial optimism of the 1928 campaign.
- 01
a little bit of bread and no cheese
Used to represent the song of the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella).
- 02
be a thing
To exist, or to be available, widespread, possible, or a common practice.
- 03
best thing since sliced bread
Alternative form of greatest thing since sliced bread.
- 04
best thing since sliced pan
Alternative form of greatest thing since sliced bread.
- 05
bread and butter
That which is central or fundamental, as to one's business, survival, or income; a staple or cornerstone.
- 06
bread and circuses
Food and entertainment handed out by those in power to keep the public quiet.
- 07
bread of life
Anything which is regarded as a source or inspiration of spiritual nourishment.
- 08
bright young thing
One who is youthful, clever, eager, and high-spirited in manner and attractive in appearance.
Last updated August 10, 2026