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Region: General | Usage example: That excuse takes the cake for laziness.

Take the cake

Meaning

Be the most remarkable or outrageous.

Usage

Used humorously to call out extremes.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

At fairs, the best performances won a cake.

Late 19th century newspapers noted that winning the cake was the ultimate prize.

Related Idioms

Take one for the team

Make a sacrifice for the group's benefit.

Take the bull by the horns

Confront a problem directly.

Double take

An exaggerated second look because something surprised you.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.