The bad weather took the gilt off the gingerbread for our holiday.
take the gilt off the gingerbread
idiomTo take away the most attractive or appealing qualities of something; to destroy an illusion.
Origin
disputed originIn the Middle Ages, gingerbread cakes were decorated with a thin layer of gold leaf. Without this casing, they were considered to be humble offerings, generally being little more than flavoured but stale bread.
Winning the lottery was exciting, but the huge tax bill really took the gilt off the gingerbread.
The sudden discovery of the company's hidden debts took the gilt off the gingerbread for the investors who had previously seen the firm as a perfect success.
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cake and gingerbread
An easy or pleasant task or experience; a piece of cake.
- 02
cross to take up
Alternative form of cross to bear.
- 03
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.
- 04
gingerbread up
Synonym of gingerbread (“to decorate or embellish in an ornate or intricate way”).
- 05
give and take
A process of compromise or accommodation.
- 06
give someone an inch and someone will take a mile
Alternative form of give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
- 07
I take it
Used to express one's understanding of another's position.
- 08
kick ass and take names
To beat someone in a competition, fight, or other situation.