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 JoyceExamples of take the cake in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
When the game ends, Era IV takes the cake, with six of their seven players surviving, putting Jenny and Theo in power.
—Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
If Vitamix reigns supreme in the blender space, then KitchenAid takes the cake for stand mixers.
—Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 4 Nov. 2024
Tushy Classic Bidet Tushy 8 Tushy Classic Bidet $129 $99
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In terms of unique gifts, this SELF Fave bidet might just take the cake.
—Malia Griggs, SELF, 16 Oct. 2024
Of all the wild things that have happened in airports or on flights, this may take the cake…or cheese, more appropriately.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for take the cake 
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Emma Sharpe, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2024
If Vitamix reigns supreme in the blender space, then KitchenAid takes the cake for stand mixers.
—Tiffany Hopkins, Bon Appétit, 4 Nov. 2024
Tushy Classic Bidet Tushy 8 Tushy Classic Bidet $129 $99
Tushy
$109
Amazon
In terms of unique gifts, this SELF Fave bidet might just take the cake.
—Malia Griggs, SELF, 16 Oct. 2024
Of all the wild things that have happened in airports or on flights, this may take the cake…or cheese, more appropriately.
—Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 24 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for take the cake
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 28 Nov. 2024.
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