verb (used with object), caked, cak·ing.
verb (used without object), caked, cak·ing.
Words nearby cake
Idioms for cake
- to surpass all others, especially in some undesirable quality; be extraordinary or unusual: His arrogance takes the cake.
- to win first prize.
Origin of cake
OTHER WORDS FROM cakecak·y, cak·ey, adjectivenon·cak·ing, adjective, nounun·cake, verb (used with object), un·caked, un·cak·ing.
British Dictionary definitions for take the cake
Derived forms of cakecakey or caky, adjective
Word Origin for cake
Culture definitions for take the cake
To be the most outstanding; sometimes used in a derogatory sense: “When it comes to eating like a pig, Gordy really takes the cake.”
Idioms and Phrases with take the cake (1 of 2)
Be the most outstanding in some respect, either the best or the worst. For example, That advertising slogan really took the cake, or What a mess they made of the concert—that takes the cake! This expression alludes to a contest called a cakewalk, in which a cake is the prize. Its figurative use, for something either excellent or outrageously bad, dates from the 1880s.
Idioms and Phrases with take the cake (2 of 2)
see eat one's cake and have it, too; flat as a pancake; icing on the cake; nutty as a fruitcake; piece of cake; sell like hot cakes; slice of the pie (cake); take the cake.