T-learning # Idiom
Speak Like a Native

the icing on the cake

Choose the correct definition a, b or c.

a) it makes something perfect

Well done ! That’s the right answer.

The icing on the cake’ is an action or something that turns a good situation, perfect or better.

French translation

la cerise sur le gâteau

How NOT to translate : *le glaçage sur la gâteau

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Examples in context

‘Councillor Tim Taylor, leader of West Somerset, and Councillor John Williams, leader of Taunton Deane, issued a joint statement.
They said : "Naturally we are disappointed our bid has not succeeded but we are committed to moving forward with proposals for joint management and shared services.
"Had we received funding it would have been the icing on the cake that would have helped deliver efficiency savings in a much shorter time span.".’

BBC News, 10 October 2013

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‘’Mr Evans proposed in October last year and the pair married in June before setting off on their two-week honeymoon. The trip to Australia was the trip of a lifetime," he said.
"Coming back without the ring was heartbreaking but getting it back like this is the icing on the cake."
Mrs Evans said : "I was so shocked and relieved when we found out someone had found it."’

BBC News, 21 July 2013

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Everyday usage

You coming to my birthday was just the icing on the cake- Thank you.

That promotion was just the icing on the cake after this successful week.

b) it is delicious

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.

c) it is very pretty

Sorry, wrong answer. Please try again.


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