best thing since sliced bread
Meaning
Someone or something considered extremely good, useful, or impressive—often as enthusiastic praise, sometimes with irony.
Origin
Refers to sliced bread, widely sold from the late 1920s and seen as a modern convenience. The phrase became a humorous benchmark for “the greatest new invention.”
Notes
Strong, often exaggerated praise used in conversation or marketing. Depending on tone, it can be ironic, implying something is overhyped. More informal than formal writing.
Examples
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This new note-taking app is the best thing since sliced bread for my workflow.
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My dad thinks the electric kettle is the best thing since sliced bread.
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She kept saying the cordless vacuum was the best thing since sliced bread, and honestly I agree.
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Marketing tried to sell the update as the best thing since sliced bread, but it barely changed anything.
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Ever since he got noise-canceling headphones, he’s acted like they’re the best thing since sliced bread.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used with a form of “be” and often with “the”: “X is the best thing since sliced bread.” Can take articles/possessives: “a/the best…”. Often modified by “not exactly”.
Synonyms
- the greatest thing since sliced bread
- the best thing ever
- a game-changer
- revolutionary
- groundbreaking
Antonyms
- nothing special
- run-of-the-mill
- mediocre