Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
take the cake. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
take the cake, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
take the cake in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
take the cake you have here. The definition of the word
take the cake will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
take the cake, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
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.
Pronunciation
Verb
take the cake (third-person singular simple present takes the cake, present participle taking the cake, simple past took the cake, past participle taken the cake)
- (idiomatic, colloquial, chiefly US) 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).
Thanks! You guys take the cake.
Once the party was over, everyone agreed that Elizabeth and her Harriet Tubman getup had taken the cake.
I've seen bad grammar, but this takes the cake.
Usage notes
- This is often used negatively, to affirm that something is deserving of the top prize for being the worst of something.
Synonyms
Translations