Take the cake

usgb
verb

To be outstandingly bad, good, or remarkable than everyone or everything else.

There were many contestants, but his performance really took the cake.
Visual representation of "take the cake" - to be outstandingly bad, good, or remarkable than everyone or everything else

Often appears as...

  • really takes the cake
  • you take the cake

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

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

Subjectivity

Can imply different things based on the speaker's tone and context; may be positive or negative.

Illustration for Subjectivity
You forgot your anniversary again? You really take the cake!
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

It's a figurative phrase and doesn't involve an actual cake.

Illustration for Not Literal
His excuse for being late really took the cake.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial

Best used in informal conversations among friends or in casual settings.

Illustration for Colloquial
Of all her performances, this one takes the cake!
Visual representation of the word "Take the cake"

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