# cherry on top

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/cherry-on-top
Updated: 2026-08-10

## 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”).

## Examples

- The sunny weather was the cherry on top of our perfect vacation.
- Getting a free dessert is the cherry on top of this meal.
- Your kind words are the cherry on top of my success.
- Winning the game was great, but the trophy ceremony was the cherry on top.
- The dinner was delicious, but having a live band play our favorite song was the cherry on top of the evening.
- I already missed my bus, so the heavy rain starting was the ironic cherry on top of a terrible day.
- After months of hard work, receiving the promotion was satisfying, but the unexpected bonus served as the cherry on top.

## Origin

Attested in the early 20th century, the phrase serves as a metaphorical allusion to the placement of a single glazed or maraschino cherry upon a cake or sundae. It follows the earlier 19th-century usage of a cherry on a custard to denote a final, decorative flourish that completes an arrangement.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.