Х-40

ХЛЁБ-СОЛЬ coll NP sing only usu. obj or subj) food cordially and generously given to a guest by extension warm and generous treatment of a guest: bread and salt (share (offer)) one's bread hospitality.

«Вот почему я особенно вам благодарна, Родион Романыч, что вы не погнушались моим хлебом-солью, даже и при такой обстановке...» (Достоевский 3). "That is why I am so especially grateful to you, Rodion Romanych, for not scorning my bread and salt, even in such circumstances..." (3c).

. ..Вообще они были народ добрый, полны гостеприимства, и человек, вкусивший с ними хлеба-соли или просидевший вечер за вистом, уже становился чем-то близким... (Гоголь 3). In general, they were kindly and very hospitable, and anyone who had partaken of their hospitality or spent an evening playing whist with them became one of them... (3d).

From an old Slavic custom (still occasionally observed, especially in the countryside) of presenting a round loaf of bread and some salt to a guest of honor as a sign of respect and welcome.