ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cherry on top

idiom
Meaning

Synonym of icing on the cake (“a thing which intensifies the appreciation of something already good, or (ironic) the regretting of something already bad”).


Origin

disputed origin

An allusion to a cake being decorated on top with one or more cherries.

Examples
SIMPLE

The sunny weather was the cherry on top of our perfect vacation.

CONTEXTUAL

Winning the game was great, but the trophy ceremony was the cherry on top.

COMPLEX

After months of hard work, receiving the promotion was satisfying, but the unexpected bonus served as the cherry on top.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bite of the cherry

    A chance; an attempt at something, especially something that can or should only be done once.

  2. 02

    on top

    In a dominant position.

  3. 03

    over the top

    Beyond normal, expected, or reasonable limits; outrageous.

  4. 04

    pop someone's cherry

    To take the virginity of someone.

  5. 05

    pop the cherry

    To break the hymen.

  6. 06

    put the bottom rail on top

    To reverse a hierarchy.

  7. 07

    top banana

    The boss, the leader.

  8. 08

    top cat

    Synonym of top dog.

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