greatest thing since sliced bread
the greatest thing since sliced bread
A humorous and hyperbolic statement indicating one's belief that something is excellent, especially something new and innovative. These waterproof jeans are the greatest thing since sliced bread. I don't have to worry about getting soaked!
See also: bread, great, since, slice, thing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
greatest thing since sliced bread
Also, best thing since sliced bread. An excellent new invention, as in Harry swears that this new program is the greatest thing since sliced bread. This phrase, used either straightforwardly or sarcastically, alludes to the convenience of buying bread that is already sliced. [Mid-1900s]
See also: bread, great, since, slice, thing
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
greatest thing since sliced bread, the
A useful new invention. Originating in the mid-twentieth century, probably in the armed forces, this expression also can be used sarcastically; indeed, not everyone regards packaged presliced bread as a taste treat, although it is undoubtedly a convenience. In Britain it is also put as best thing since sliced bread. Rona Jaffe used the term in The Fame Game (1969): “You’re the greatest thing since sliced bread.” Numerous variants have arisen, such as the greatest thing since the hamburger, chewing gum, and indoor plumbing, but none became as common as sliced bread.
See also: great, since, slice, thing
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- (something) is the new (something)
- a fast talker
- (one) could use (something)
- a horse of another
- a horse of another color
- a horse of another colour
- a/the feel of (something)
- (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
- a slew of (something)
- a straw will show which way the wind blows