take the cake
Used as an affirmation or accolade when one is deemed the top position in a comparison or contest; to win or be the best (at).
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“That silly mistake really takes the cake.”
“Your beautiful garden design really takes the cake.”
“This new smartphone takes the cake for speed.”
“I have seen many bad movies, but this one really takes the cake for being the worst.”
“I have heard many strange stories about this house, but your ghost story really takes the cake for being the most frightening.”
“Among all the talented singers in the competition, the young girl from the small village takes the cake with her powerful voice.”
“The local bakery makes many delicious desserts, but their chocolate tart takes the cake for having the richest flavor.”
“Of all the absurd excuses he offered for his tardiness, the claim that his cat stole his car keys certainly takes the cake.”
first recorded 19th c. disputed origin
Attested since circa 1870. Originally used in reference to the winners of cake walk competitions in black communities of the southern USA in the 19th and early 20th centuries, who were said to have "taken the cake", which was oftentimes the prize.
- 01
be taken ill
To become ill.
- 02
cake and gingerbread
An easy or pleasant task or experience; a piece of cake.
- 03
cake crumbs
Hardly anything.
- 04
cake walk
Something extremely easy.
- 05
cakes and ale
The simple material pleasures of life.
- 06
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 07
eat one's cake and have it too
Alternative form of have one's cake and eat it too.
- 08
forget to take one's medication this morning
To be annoyed or irritable, or to behave in an ill-mannered way, particularly in the morning.
Last updated August 10, 2026