English Reference
Idiom idiom

take bread and salt


To practice the custom of using bread and salt to make solemn an oath or affirmation.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“They take bread and salt to seal their new friendship.”

CONTEXTUAL

“To show their sincerity, the two families decided to take bread and salt before signing the agreement.”

COMPLEX

“In accordance with the ancient tradition, the leaders met to take bread and salt, thereby binding themselves to the terms of the peace treaty.”


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little bit of bread and no cheese

    Used to represent the song of the yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella).

  2. 02

    Attic salt

    Pointed and delicate wit.

  3. 03

    be taken ill

    To become ill.

  4. 04

    best thing since sliced bread

    Alternative form of greatest thing since sliced bread.

  5. 05

    bread and butter

    That which is central or fundamental, as to one's business, survival, or income; a staple or cornerstone.

  6. 06

    bread and circuses

    Food and entertainment handed out by those in power to keep the public quiet.

  7. 07

    bread of life

    Anything which is regarded as a source or inspiration of spiritual nourishment.

  8. 08

    brown bread

    Dead.

Last updated August 10, 2026