ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cakes and ale

idiom
Meaning

The simple material pleasures of life.


Origin

first recorded 17th c.

From William Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night (written c. 1601–1602), Act II, scene iii: see the quotation.

Examples
SIMPLE

Life is not just cakes and ale.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of working hard, he finally retired to enjoy the cakes and ale of a quiet life.

COMPLEX

The philosopher argued that a meaningful existence requires more than the mere pursuit of cakes and ale.

Anchors to
Related idioms2entries
  1. 01

    Adam's ale

    Water.

  2. 02

    sell like hot cakes

    To be sold in large numbers quickly.

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