Definition & Meaning of "[take] the bread out of {one's} mouth"

What is the origin of the idiom "take the bread out of someone's mouth" and when to use it?

The idiom "take the bread out of someone's mouth" is used to convey the idea of depriving someone of their source of income or livelihood. It originated from the literal act of taking away the food (bread) that sustains a person, thereby leaving them without the means to support themselves or their family. The expression is commonly used to emphasize the impact of an action or decision that negatively affects someone's financial stability or ability to make a living.