take the cake
idiomatic phrase
variants
chiefly US take the cake
or British take the biscuit
informal
: to win the prize : to rank first
While it didn't take the cake for the warmest Christmas on record, it was close.—
Krista McEnany
—typically used to describe something that is very surprising, foolish, remarkable, annoying, etc.Krista McEnanyThere have been doozies in the flurry of free-agent signings … but the Giants' acquisition of quarterback Kerry Collins takes the cake.—Peter King
Peter KingOf all the invasions of her privacy, this one took the cake.—Richard Peck
Richard PeckWhen he was quite sure that the narrative had ended he laughed noiselessly for fully half a minute. Then he said: "Well! … That takes the biscuit!"—James Joyce
James Joyce
Examples of take the cake in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Tossing and turning in bed and randomly waking up at night is uncomfortable, but experiencing night sweats may take the cake in comparison.
—Dominique Fluker, Essence, 13 Mar. 2024
Weird candles are a staple on every home decor list, but this teddy bear candle may take the cake for the cutest candle yet.
—Taylor Gumm, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2024
The Transportation Security Administration confiscates weird and dangerous items from travelers going through one of Idaho’s several commercial airports yearly — such as a memorial sword in 2022 — but last year might take the cake.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Jan. 2024
For those looking for the online casino offering the best payout, Cafe Casino takes the cake for today.
—Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024
There are so many reasons to look forward to a trip to IKEA, but the food court just might take the cake.
—Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2023
Get The Recipe 02 of 75 Lemon Raspberry Cake
In terms of fresh dessert ideas, this tangy and zesty treat takes the cake.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024
Steven Yeun takes the cake with his Beef win at the 2023 Emmy Awards.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 16 Jan. 2024
Of all this year's most exciting hair tool Black Friday deals, blow-dryer brushes taking the cake.
—Shanna Shipin, Allure, 24 Nov. 2023
Dominique Fluker, Essence, 13 Mar. 2024
Weird candles are a staple on every home decor list, but this teddy bear candle may take the cake for the cutest candle yet.
—Taylor Gumm, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2024
The Transportation Security Administration confiscates weird and dangerous items from travelers going through one of Idaho’s several commercial airports yearly — such as a memorial sword in 2022 — but last year might take the cake.
—Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 24 Jan. 2024
For those looking for the online casino offering the best payout, Cafe Casino takes the cake for today.
—Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2024
There are so many reasons to look forward to a trip to IKEA, but the food court just might take the cake.
—Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Dec. 2023
Get The Recipe 02 of 75 Lemon Raspberry Cake
In terms of fresh dessert ideas, this tangy and zesty treat takes the cake.
—Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2024
Steven Yeun takes the cake with his Beef win at the 2023 Emmy Awards.
—Esther Kang, Peoplemag, 16 Jan. 2024
Of all this year's most exciting hair tool Black Friday deals, blow-dryer brushes taking the cake.
—Shanna Shipin, Allure, 24 Nov. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'take the cake.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1847, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near take the cake
Cite this Entry
“Take the cake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20the%20cake. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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