Take the biscuit

phrase

To top everything; to be worst or most annoying of something.

He's always late, but skipping the meeting really takes the biscuit.
Visual representation of "take the biscuit" - To top everything; to be worst or most annoying of something.

Often appears as...

  • really takes the biscuit
  • simply takes the biscuit

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

phrase

Surprising or impressive, usually in a positive way.

His performance in the finals really takes the biscuit.
Visual representation of "take the biscuit" - Surprising or impressive, usually in a positive way.

Often appears as...

  • truly takes the biscuit
  • his performance takes the biscuit

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

phrase

To top everything; to be worst or most annoying of something.

He's always late, but skipping the meeting really takes the biscuit.
Visual representation of "take the biscuit" - To top everything; to be worst or most annoying of something.

Often appears as...

  • really takes the biscuit
  • simply takes the biscuit

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

phrase

Surprising or impressive, usually in a positive way.

His performance in the finals really takes the biscuit.
Visual representation of "take the biscuit" - Surprising or impressive, usually in a positive way.

Often appears as...

  • truly takes the biscuit
  • his performance takes the biscuit

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "take the biscuit"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Usually expresses annoyance or frustration at a situation that's seen as the worst.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Everyone was talking in the cinema, but the guy shouting on his phone really took the biscuit.
LampPro Tip 2/3

British Usage

Predominantly used in British English, it may not be well understood by speakers of other English dialects.

Illustration for British Usage
When she forgot to attend her own party, that really took the biscuit.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sarcasm or Irony

Often used sarcastically to highlight something that's bad or absurd.

Illustration for Sarcasm or Irony
He crashed his car and then won the lottery - that takes the biscuit!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Usually expresses annoyance or frustration at a situation that's seen as the worst.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Everyone was talking in the cinema, but the guy shouting on his phone really took the biscuit.
LampPro Tip 2/3

British Usage

Predominantly used in British English, it may not be well understood by speakers of other English dialects.

Illustration for British Usage
When she forgot to attend her own party, that really took the biscuit.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sarcasm or Irony

Often used sarcastically to highlight something that's bad or absurd.

Illustration for Sarcasm or Irony
He crashed his car and then won the lottery - that takes the biscuit!
LampPro Tip 1/3

Negative Connotation

Usually expresses annoyance or frustration at a situation that's seen as the worst.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Everyone was talking in the cinema, but the guy shouting on his phone really took the biscuit.
LampPro Tip 2/3

British Usage

Predominantly used in British English, it may not be well understood by speakers of other English dialects.

Illustration for British Usage
When she forgot to attend her own party, that really took the biscuit.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Sarcasm or Irony

Often used sarcastically to highlight something that's bad or absurd.

Illustration for Sarcasm or Irony
He crashed his car and then won the lottery - that takes the biscuit!
Visual representation of the word "Take the biscuit"

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