like hot cakes, go

Idioms and Phrases

Also, sell like hot cakes . Be a great commercial success, as in I'm sure this new line of coats will go like hot cakes , or She was thrilled that her new book was selling like hot cakes . This term alludes to hot cakes , another name for griddle cakes or pancakes, which are so popular at church sales, food fairs, and similar events that they tend to sell as quickly as they are cooked. [Mid-1800s]