a crumb of bread

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crumb of bread" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a small piece or amount of bread, often in a metaphorical sense to indicate something minimal or insignificant. Example: "After the feast, all that was left on the table was a crumb of bread, a stark reminder of how much we had enjoyed the meal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

6. Fill a large pan a third full of vegetable oil, and heat to 170C (or when a crumb of bread sizzles and turns golden, but does not burn, when dropped in it).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After nibbling dozens of lesser versions, I have finally found perfect -- and perfectly shippable -- Maryland crab cakes from FENWICK CRABHOUSE : not a crumb of bread or crackers, just big lumps of crab meat bound with mayonnaise, the famous Old Bay seasoning and eggs (pasteurized in case you are tempted to eat the cakes before you sauté them).

The New York Times - Food

However if you found yourself powerless, naked, covered in dirt, hungry, wet and cold and a human being came to your aid with a crumb of bread, or a bowl of soup, or a cup of water, or a dry shirt, the last thing you would ask them about before you partook in their charity is their religious affiliation.

Huffington Post

Don't forget to give him a crumb of bread as a treat when he does it!

WikiHow

To test whether it's ready for the hot dogs, drop a crumb of bread into the hot oil.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

In accordance with their beliefs, Orthodox Jews must not possess even a crumb of leavened bread — known in Hebrew as chametz — for the duration of Passover.

The New York Times

On several occasions a subordinate babbler that had just refused food offered by the dominant, immediately approached the observer to take a small crumb of bread, suggesting that despite being hungry it had refused to accept the "gift" from another babbler.

F1000Research

It may look easy to photograph snowflakes, or a few crumbs of bread next to a puddle (a photo Cohen considers one of his best) and I suppose it is.

Huffington Post

The 35mm frame of a few crumbs of bread abandoned on the sidewalk is done.

Huffington Post

Maybe, but what are a few more crumbs of bread worth when you need a whole loaf not to be hungry?

Huffington Post

Cohen was not making a statement so much with what he was showing, the crumbs of bread - a puddle, but with his blatant disregard for the photographic paradigm of the time.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing minimal amounts or insignificant offerings, use "a crumb of bread" to emphasize scarcity or a token gesture.

Common error

Avoid using "a crumb of bread" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or objective language is required. Opt for alternatives like "a small portion" or "a trace amount".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crumb of bread" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to a very small piece of bread. As shown in Ludwig, it's often used literally, but can also be used metaphorically to represent something small or insignificant.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a crumb of bread" is a noun phrase that refers to a tiny piece of bread, often used both literally and metaphorically to denote something minimal or insignificant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While it appears more frequently in news and media, as well as in wiki content, its usage in formal academic writing is rare. When using the phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the intended level of formality. Related phrases include "a morsel of bread" and "a tiny piece of bread", offering similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a breadcrumb

While very similar, this single word is more commonly used to refer to prepared, dried bread.

a morsel of bread

Replaces 'crumb' with 'morsel', indicating a small piece of food.

a bit of bread

Replaces 'crumb' with 'bit', indicating a small portion.

a tiny piece of bread

Substitutes 'crumb' with 'tiny piece', emphasizing the small size.

a speck of bread

Uses 'speck' instead of 'crumb', suggesting an even smaller amount.

a fragment of bread

Employs 'fragment', indicating a broken-off piece.

a bread particle

Replaces 'crumb' with 'particle', a more scientific term for a small piece.

the smallest piece of bread

Adds emphasis on the minimal size of the bread piece.

a trace of bread

Shifts focus to the minimal quantity, using 'trace' to imply very little remains.

a hint of bread

Conveys a subtle presence of bread, possibly in flavor or scent.

FAQs

How can "a crumb of bread" be used metaphorically?

Metaphorically, "a crumb of bread" represents a tiny offering or a minimal amount of something essential, similar to providing "a drop in the bucket" in a dire situation.

What's a more formal alternative to "a crumb of bread"?

In formal contexts, consider using "a small portion of bread" or "a minimal quantity of bread" instead of "a crumb of bread" to maintain a professional tone.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a crumb of bread"?

It's appropriate when you want to emphasize the scarcity or insignificance of something, or when referencing the Hansel and Gretel story of leaving "a trail of breadcrumbs".

What does it mean to leave "a trail of bread crumbs"?

To leave "a trail of breadcrumbs" means to provide clues or guidance that leads someone to a solution or destination, often in a step-by-step manner.