The idiom “a piece of cake” is a common and well-known idiom in the English language. It is used to describe something that is very easy to do. It is often used to reassure someone who is feeling nervous about a task, or to express confidence in one’s own abilities. For example, you might say “This test is going to be a piece of cake” if you are feeling confident about your knowledge of the material.
The idiom can also be used in a more sarcastic way. For example, you might say “That was a piece of cake” after completing a difficult task, but in a way that suggests that the task was actually quite challenging.
The Origin of the Idiom ‘A Piece of Cake’
The exact origin of the idiom “a piece of cake” is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The first known use of the phrase was in a 1927 article in the New York Times, in which it was used to describe a simple task. The phrase quickly became popular, and by the 1930s, it was being used in everyday speech.
There are a few different theories about the origin of the phrase. One theory is that it originated in the baking industry. Cakes are often considered to be a relatively easy dessert to make, so the phrase “a piece of cake” came to be used to describe anything that was simple or easy.
Another theory is that the phrase originated in the gambling industry. In gambling, a “piece of cake” is a bet that is very likely to win. So, the phrase “a piece of cake” came to be used to describe anything that was very easy to do.
Another goes back to American slavery where, at parties held by slave-owners slaves competed in cake walks in which they mocked their owners with ostentatious gestures through dance.
‘A Piece of Cake’ in Popular Culture
“Piece of Cake” is a song by Roxette, a Swedish pop duo. It was released on November 20, 2020 as the fourth single from their compilation album Bag of Trix. The song was originally recorded for their 2016 album Good Karma, and it was the last song that Per Gessle wrote for Roxette. It also features the final vocal that Marie Fredriksson recorded for the duo before her death in December 2019. The music video for the song consists of archive footage of the band on previous tours.
The song is a mid-tempo pop ballad with a catchy melody and upbeat lyrics. The lyrics are about how even when things are tough, they can still be a “piece of cake” if you have the right attitude. The song is a fitting tribute to Marie Fredriksson, and it is a reminder of the joy that she brought to the world through her music.
The phrase is also used in the song “Piece of Cake” by the band The Killers.
In the film “Love is a piece of cake” Jessie Dale is a baker who needs to protect her cake shop when developers threaten to take over her building and force her out. She has to do everything she can to save her the shop
“A Piece of Cake,” is a movie which is about a group of friends who go on a camping trip.
The Use of the Idiom
The idiom “a piece of cake” is used in everyday speech in many English-speaking countries. It is not always used literally. For example, you might say “This test is going to be a piece of cake” even if you know that the test is going to be challenging. In this case, you are using the idiom figuratively to express your confidence in your ability to pass the test.
Ten illustrations of the use of the idiom “a piece of cake.”
- “That test was a piece of cake.” (Meaning it was very easy.)
- “Don’t worry, this project will be a piece of cake.” (Meaning it will be easy to do.)
- “I’m sure she’ll ace the interview. It’s a piece of cake for her.” (Meaning she’s very good at it.)
- “After all the hard work we’ve done, this is a piece of cake.” (Meaning it’s easy compared to what we’ve already done.)
- “I’m so glad that’s over with. That was a piece of cake.” (Meaning it was a relief to get it done.)
- “I’m not worried about the competition. They’re a piece of cake.” (Meaning they’re no match for us.)
- “I’m sure he’ll win the race. He’s a piece of cake.” (Meaning he’s very good at it and is likely to win.)
- “I’m not sure I can do this.” “Don’t worry, it’s a piece of cake.” (Meaning it’s actually very easy.)
- “I thought this was going to be hard, but it’s a piece of cake.” (Meaning it was actually easier than expected.)
- “I’m so bored. This is a piece of cake.” (Meaning it’s so easy that it’s not even challenging.)
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