Take the cake
verb
To be outstandingly bad, good, or remarkable than everyone or everything else.
There were many contestants, but his performance really took the cake.
Often appears as...
- really takes the cake
- you take the cake
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To win or get something.
The last team to answer the question correctly takes the cake.
Often appears as...
- winner takes the cake
- takes the cake home
verb
To be outstandingly bad, good, or remarkable than everyone or everything else.
There were many contestants, but his performance really took the cake.
Often appears as...
- really takes the cake
- you take the cake
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
verb
To win or get something.
The last team to answer the question correctly takes the cake.
Often appears as...
- winner takes the cake
- takes the cake home
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Subjectivity
Can imply different things based on the speaker's tone and context; may be positive or negative.
You forgot your anniversary again? You really take the cake!
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a figurative phrase and doesn't involve an actual cake.
His excuse for being late really took the cake.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial
Best used in informal conversations among friends or in casual settings.
Of all her performances, this one takes the cake!
Pro Tip 1/3Subjectivity
Can imply different things based on the speaker's tone and context; may be positive or negative.
You forgot your anniversary again? You really take the cake!
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a figurative phrase and doesn't involve an actual cake.
His excuse for being late really took the cake.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial
Best used in informal conversations among friends or in casual settings.
Of all her performances, this one takes the cake!
Pro Tip 1/3Subjectivity
Can imply different things based on the speaker's tone and context; may be positive or negative.
You forgot your anniversary again? You really take the cake!
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's a figurative phrase and doesn't involve an actual cake.
His excuse for being late really took the cake.
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial
Best used in informal conversations among friends or in casual settings.
Of all her performances, this one takes the cake!
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