Idiom B2

The best thing since sliced bread

An excellent new invention or idea that people are very enthusiastic about

Meaning

The best thing since sliced bread is a humorous, exaggerated way of praising an invention, idea, or product as a wonderful innovation that makes life easier. It treats sliced bread as the benchmark of brilliant, convenient inventions. Literal: bread already cut into slices. Figurative: a fantastic new development that everyone appreciates.

Origin & History

The phrase refers to the invention of commercially pre-sliced bread, which appeared in the United States in 1928 with the first automatic bread-slicing machine. Pre-sliced bread was marketed as a great convenience, and advertisements famously called it a major step forward for the family kitchen. People soon began jokingly measuring other innovations against it.

By the mid-20th century, 'the best thing since sliced bread' had become a set phrase for praising any new product or idea. It is often used with gentle humour or even mild irony, because comparing a modern invention to sliced bread highlights how ordinary that 'great' innovation now seems. The tone can be sincere praise or light teasing.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
He thinks his new phone is the best thing since sliced bread.Technology, enthusiasm
When the dishwasher arrived, my grandmother said it was the best thing since sliced bread.Home appliances
The app is useful, but it's hardly the best thing since sliced bread.Mild scepticism
Everyone in the office says this software is the best thing since sliced bread.Workplace, praise

How to Use It

The idiom is used as a noun phrase after 'be', usually in the form 'the best thing since sliced bread'. It is informal and often humorous, so it suits casual conversation and light writing. It can express genuine enthusiasm or gentle mockery of over-the-top praise. Keep the fixed phrase exactly — 'since sliced bread' is essential.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

It is the best thing since cut bread.

It is the best thing since sliced bread. — The fixed phrase is 'sliced bread', not 'cut bread'.

This is the better thing since sliced bread.

This is the best thing since sliced bread. — Use the superlative 'best', not 'better'.

It is the best thing of sliced bread.

It is the best thing since sliced bread. — The fixed word is 'since', not 'of'.

Similar Idioms

The icing on the cake Hit the jackpot The best of both worlds All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "the best thing since sliced bread" mean?
"The best thing since sliced bread" is a humorous, exaggerated way of praising an invention, idea, or product as a wonderful innovation that makes life easier, using sliced bread as the benchmark of great inventions.
Where does "the best thing since sliced bread" come from?
It refers to commercially pre-sliced bread, introduced in the United States in 1928 with the first automatic bread-slicing machine. It was marketed as a great convenience, so people began measuring other innovations against it.
Can you give an example of "the best thing since sliced bread" in a sentence?
"He thinks his new phone is the best thing since sliced bread." Another: "Everyone in the office says this software is the best thing since sliced bread."
Is "the best thing since sliced bread" formal or informal?
It is informal and often humorous. It is common in conversation and casual writing. In formal writing, use "a major innovation" or "a remarkable advance" instead.
What CEFR level is "the best thing since sliced bread"?
B2. Learners need to understand the humour and cultural reference behind it, so it suits upper-intermediate and advanced students.
Can "the best thing since sliced bread" be used ironically?
Yes. Because comparing a modern invention to sliced bread can sound exaggerated, the phrase is often used with gentle irony to mock over-the-top praise — for example, "it is hardly the best thing since sliced bread".
What are common mistakes with "the best thing since sliced bread"?
Changing "sliced" to "cut", using "better" instead of "best", and replacing "since" with "of". The fixed phrase is "the best thing since sliced bread".
What idioms are similar to "the best thing since sliced bread"?
Similar expressions include "the greatest thing ever", "a game changer", "the icing on the cake" (for a final bonus), and "out of this world". The closest in meaning is "a game changer".
Can "the best thing since sliced bread" be used in writing?
Yes, in informal and humorous writing such as reviews, blogs, and casual articles. Avoid it in strictly formal writing, where "a significant innovation" is preferred.
How do I practise idioms like "the best thing since sliced bread"?
Use LexFizz Flash Cards and Flip Tiles, and try praising a gadget or app you like — "it is the best thing since sliced bread" — to make the idiom memorable.