take the cake — to be the most remarkable, outrageous, or extreme example of something; to win first place or be the best
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to be the most remarkable, outrageous, or extreme example of something; to win first place or be the best
Pronunciation (IPA): /teɪk ðə keɪk/
Example Sentences
- My boss's excuse for being three hours late really takes the cake - he said he was abducted by aliens!
- When it comes to messy rooms, my teenager's bedroom takes the cake.
- That restaurant's pizza takes the cake - it's absolutely delicious!
take the cake
NOUN[/teɪk ðə keɪk/]
to be the most remarkable, outrageous, or extreme example of something; to win first place or be the best
His excuse for being late really takes the cake — he blamed alien abduction.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This idiomatic phrase originated in 19th-century America, deriving from the practice of awarding cake as a prize or reward. The expression gained particular currency through 'cakewalk,' a competitive dance where the winner received a cake as the prize.
Breakdown
take (to claim or win) + cake (the prize or reward) = to win the top prize or excel above others.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My boss's excuse for being three hours late really takes the cake - he said he was abducted by aliens!”
“When it comes to messy rooms, my teenager's bedroom takes the cake.”
“That restaurant's pizza takes the cake - it's absolutely delicious!”
“His attempt to impress his date by cooking took the cake - he burned water!”
📚Related Words
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