the icing on the cake
Something that makes a good situation even better
字面意思: The sugary coating (icing) placed on top of a baked dessert (cake).
Use this to describe a 'bonus' positive detail that completes an already great experience.
15秒了解
- An extra benefit that makes a good situation even better.
- The final positive touch on an already successful event.
- Used to highlight a bonus or 'extra' piece of good news.
意思
Imagine you already have a delicious cake. Adding sweet icing on top makes it look and taste even better, but the cake was already great without it.
关键例句
3 / 6Talking about a vacation
The hotel was beautiful, and the free upgrade was the icing on the cake.
The hotel was beautiful, and the free upgrade was the icing on the cake.
Professional achievement
Winning the award was great, but the standing ovation was the icing on the cake.
Winning the award was great, but the standing ovation was the icing on the cake.
Texting a friend about a date
The dinner was amazing, and him bringing me flowers was the icing on the cake!
The dinner was amazing, and him bringing me flowers was the icing on the cake!
文化背景
The phrase stems from 18th and 19th-century baking traditions where sugar was expensive. Adding a layer of icing was a sign of wealth and extra effort for a celebration. It became a popular metaphor in the mid-20th century to describe unexpected bonuses in life.
The 'Cherry' Alternative
If you want to sound more American, you can say `the cherry on top`. It means exactly the same thing!
Avoid Sarcasm Early On
Native speakers sometimes use this sarcastically for bad news, but as a learner, stick to positive contexts to avoid confusion.
15秒了解
- An extra benefit that makes a good situation even better.
- The final positive touch on an already successful event.
- Used to highlight a bonus or 'extra' piece of good news.
What It Means
Think of a situation that is already positive. You got a promotion? That is the cake. You also get a corner office? That is the icing on the cake. It refers to an extra benefit that makes a good thing even better. It is the final touch of perfection.
How To Use It
Use it when something good happens on top of another good thing. You can say 'It was the icing on the cake' or 'To put the icing on the cake.' It usually comes at the end of a story. It highlights the best part of your day or experience.
When To Use It
This phrase is perfect for celebrations or success stories. Use it when describing a vacation where the weather was perfect. Use it at work when a project finishes early and under budget. It works well in texts to friends about a great date. It is a very positive, high-energy expression.
When NOT To Use It
Never use this for bad situations. If you lose your keys and then it rains, that is NOT icing. That is 'the last straw.' Also, avoid using it for things that are necessary. Icing is an extra, not a requirement. Don't use it in very somber or tragic contexts. It will sound sarcastic or rude.
Cultural Background
In Western culture, cakes are symbols of celebration. Plain cakes were common, but icing was a luxury. Adding icing meant the occasion was truly special. The phrase became popular in the 20th century. It reflects a culture that loves 'extra' rewards and finishing touches. In British English, you might hear the cherry on top instead.
Common Variations
The cherry on top(Very common and interchangeable)The icing on the gingerbread(Older, less common version)The frosting on the cake(Common in American English)To cap it all off(A more neutral way to say the same thing)
使用说明
This phrase is highly versatile and fits almost any social or professional setting. Just ensure the primary event is positive before adding the 'icing.'
The 'Cherry' Alternative
If you want to sound more American, you can say `the cherry on top`. It means exactly the same thing!
Avoid Sarcasm Early On
Native speakers sometimes use this sarcastically for bad news, but as a learner, stick to positive contexts to avoid confusion.
The 'Cake' is Mandatory
Remember, the 'cake' (the main good thing) must exist first. You can't have icing without a cake!
例句
6The hotel was beautiful, and the free upgrade was the icing on the cake.
The hotel was beautiful, and the free upgrade was the icing on the cake.
The upgrade is the 'extra' benefit on an already good trip.
Winning the award was great, but the standing ovation was the icing on the cake.
Winning the award was great, but the standing ovation was the icing on the cake.
Shows a professional success made more emotional by the crowd's reaction.
The dinner was amazing, and him bringing me flowers was the icing on the cake!
The dinner was amazing, and him bringing me flowers was the icing on the cake!
Casual use to describe a romantic 'extra' detail.
Oh great, I'm late for work and now a flat tire. That's just the icing on the cake.
Oh great, I'm late for work and now a flat tire. That's just the icing on the cake.
Used sarcastically to mean the opposite (a very bad addition).
Having all the grandkids here is the icing on the cake of my 70th birthday.
Having all the grandkids here is the icing on the cake of my 70th birthday.
Used to express deep gratitude and happiness.
We won the championship, and setting a new record was the icing on the cake.
We won the championship, and setting a new record was the icing on the cake.
Highlights a secondary achievement during a major win.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete the idiom.
The concert was fantastic, and meeting the band afterward was the ___ on the cake.
The standard idiom is `the icing on the cake` to describe an extra benefit.
Identify the correct context for this phrase.
Which situation fits 'the icing on the cake'?
The phrase is used for positive additions to already good situations.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'Icing on the Cake'
Texting friends about good news.
Free coffee was the icing on the cake!
Standard daily conversation or storytelling.
The sunny weather was the icing on the cake.
Business presentations or speeches.
Our quarterly growth was the icing on the cake.
When to use 'The Icing on the Cake'
Travel
Getting a room with a view.
Work
Receiving a surprise compliment.
Dating
Finding out they like your favorite movie.
Shopping
Finding an extra discount at the register.
常见问题
10 个问题Both are correct! In the UK, people say icing. In the US, frosting is very common, though icing on the cake remains the standard idiom globally.
Only if you are being sarcastic. For example, if everything goes wrong, you might say 'Well, that's the icing on the cake.' However, it's safer to use it for positive things.
Yes, it is considered 'neutral.' It is perfectly fine to use in a meeting to describe a project's success or a bonus benefit.
There is no functional difference. The cherry on top is slightly more common in American English, while icing on the cake is the classic version.
Yes, the full idiom is the icing on the cake. You cannot just say 'that was the icing' unless the context of the cake was already established.
Not at all. It is used daily in movies, news, and casual conversation. It feels very natural and modern.
No, it is used for situations or events. You wouldn't call a person 'the icing on the cake' unless their arrival was the extra benefit of a party.
Then you should use the last straw or to make matters worse. Icing on the cake is for adding good to good.
It is always on the cake. Using 'of' would sound incorrect to a native speaker.
Usually, we use 'the' cake, not 'my' cake. Keeping it as the icing on the cake makes it a recognizable idiom.
相关表达
The cherry on top
An extra benefit that makes something already good even better.
To top it all off
To finish a story or situation with a final, significant detail.
A bonus
Something extra and unexpected that is good.
The last straw
The final small problem that makes a whole situation unbearable (the opposite).
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