PhrasesHub

the icing on the cake

    Definitions

      • something additional that makes a good situation even better
        To describe an additional benefit or enhancement to an already positive or successful situation

      • something unnecessary or excessive
        To describe something that is unnecessary or excessive in a given situation, often used in a negative context

    Examples of the icing on the cake

    • The product launch was a huge success, and the positive response from customers was the icing on the cake.

      This idiom means that the delightful and unexpected outcome (positive response from customers) added to the already pleasing situation (product launch success) was an extra bonus, just like the sweet topping (icing) added to an already delicious cake is an added delight.

    • After a long and tiring day at work, coming home to a warm embrace from my loved ones was the icing on the cake.

      This idiom highlights that the best and perfect ending to a day (warm embrace from loved ones) added to the already good day (end of a long workday) became an extra pleasure, just like the sweet topping (icing) adds charm to an already delicious cake.

    • The new office location in the heart of the city is fantastic, but getting accepted into a prestigious professional association is the icing on the cake for our team.

      This idiom emphasizes that the accolade of getting accepted into a prestigious professional association (icing) added to the already excellent location (cake) made their team's success even better.

    • She aced the exam, but her friend's kind gesture of surprising her with tickets to her favorite concert was the icing on the cake.

      This idiom explains that the friend's surprise gift (icing) added to the student's already excellent performance (cake) made the occasion even more delightful.

    • Her performance in the play was fantastic, but the icing on the cake was when she received a standing ovation from the audience.

      This idiom is used to describe the final and most enjoyable or satisfying part of something, which completes it perfectly. In this example, the actress's performance was already excellent, but the standing ovation from the audience added that extra sweetness to it, making it the perfect ending to a wonderful theatrical experience.

    • After a long and tiring day, coming home to a warm meal and the company of my loved ones was the icing on the cake.

      Here, the idiom is used to signify that while the day was troublesome, the ultimate reward was coming home to a peaceful and cozy environment. It suggests that even though the day may have been difficult, the comfort and joy of being at home with family brought the receiver the ultimate satisfaction and sweetness, much like the sweetness of the icing on a cake.

    • The party was already a blast, but the surprise appearance of our favorite singer made it the icing on the cake.

      In this example, the party was already enjoyable, but the appearance of the favorite singer added that extra enjoyment and sweetness that made it the perfect ending to a wonderful celebration.

    • The project was completed on time and within budget, but the client's positive feedback was the icing on the cake.

      This idiom is used to describe the ultimate success that completes something by adding that extra sweetness to it. In this example, the project was successfully finished, but the positive feedback from the client added that extra joy and satisfaction to it, making it the perfect ending to a successful project.


    Conclusion

    "The icing on the cake" is used to describe something that makes a good situation even better, like an extra bonus on top of an already positive outcome. It can also be used to express something that is unnecessary or excessive in a given situation, often in a negative context.

    Origin of "the icing on the cake"

    The origin of the idiom "the icing on the cake" can be traced back to the 19th century. The phrase likely originated from the practice of adding icing or frosting to a cake to enhance its appearance and taste. Just as the icing on a cake adds an extra layer of sweetness and attractiveness, the idiom refers to something that adds an extra layer of goodness to an already positive situation.

    The idiom has become a popular way to express the idea of an additional benefit or enhancement to something that is already positive. It is often used in everyday conversation to emphasize the idea of something extra making a good situation even better. Overall, the origin of "the icing on the cake" reflects the idea of adding a little something extra to make a good thing even better.