Put the bread in the cupboard
(Idiom) Take the simple solution to a problem instead of over-complicating it.
Origin:
The phrase comes from an anecdote about a dog that kept stealing bread left on the kitchen counter. The owner tried punishing the dog, which worked if they were home, but the problem continued whenever the dog was unsupervised. When they asked for advice, someone simply said, “Can you put the bread in the cupboard?” Sometimes the easiest fix is the most effective one.
Usage:
If a simple action will prevent an unnecessary problem, and doesn’t inconvenience you, then just “put the bread in the cupboard.”
Completely unrelated to "put the fries in the bag."
Origin:
The phrase comes from an anecdote about a dog that kept stealing bread left on the kitchen counter. The owner tried punishing the dog, which worked if they were home, but the problem continued whenever the dog was unsupervised. When they asked for advice, someone simply said, “Can you put the bread in the cupboard?” Sometimes the easiest fix is the most effective one.
Usage:
If a simple action will prevent an unnecessary problem, and doesn’t inconvenience you, then just “put the bread in the cupboard.”
Completely unrelated to "put the fries in the bag."
"I was totally overthinking which flavor of coffee creamer to buy. All I needed to do was put the bread in the cupboard and get both. I had a buy-one-get-one coupon, anyway."
"Your roommate situation does sound annoying, but sometimes you just have to put the bread in the cupboard. Have you tried carrying your toiletries to and from the bathroom instead of leaving them in the shower? Maybe then they'll stop using your shampoo."
"Your roommate situation does sound annoying, but sometimes you just have to put the bread in the cupboard. Have you tried carrying your toiletries to and from the bathroom instead of leaving them in the shower? Maybe then they'll stop using your shampoo."
Put the bread in the cupboard by crumbsalad November 20, 2025
Get the Put the bread in the cupboard mug.