take the cake

1. To be the most outstanding; sometimes used in a derogatory sense: “When it comes to eating like a pig, Gordy really takes the cake.”

Idioms and Phrases

Be the most outstanding in some respect, either the best or the worst. For example, That advertising slogan really took the cake , or What a mess they made of the concert—that takes the cake! This expression alludes to a contest called a cakewalk , in which a cake is the prize. Its figurative use, for something either excellent or outrageously bad, dates from the 1880s.

Example Sentences

As far-fetched as all the conspiracy theories have been thus far, this one takes the cake.

From Salon

I didn’t take the cake from the angel’s hand.

From Literature

Kyrgios added that while he might have been accused of being irresponsible or stupid, “this takes the cake.”

From Los Angeles Times

As Hong takes stock of the joyful moments that have come with doing work deeply rooted in their passions, there’s a particular experience that consistently takes the cake: providing flowers for queer weddings.

From Los Angeles Times

In the annals of “terrific throwaway shots from ‘Perry Mason,’” the vertiginous angle with which Perry’s fire-escape exit from his compromised apartment, broken into by parties unknown the previous week, takes the cake.

From New York Times

Related Words

• conquer
• dominate
• flourish
• overcome
• overwhelm
• prevail
• prosper
• sweep
• thrive
• trounce
• win