a piece of cake
Meaning
Something very easy to do; requiring little effort or skill.
Origin
Recorded in American English from the mid-20th century; the metaphor suggests a task is as pleasant and easy as eating a slice of cake. It may also echo “cakewalk,” an easy win.
Notes
Casual, upbeat tone meaning “very easy.” Can sound boastful or dismissive of others’ effort. Common in conversation; less suited to very formal writing.
Examples
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The math test was a piece of cake compared to last semester's exam.
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Don't worry about the presentation—once you practice a couple of times, it'll be a piece of cake.
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Setting up the new router was a piece of cake; it took me five minutes.
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For someone who codes every day, fixing that bug is a piece of cake.
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Getting tickets was a piece of cake because I bought them online early.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used with “be” (e.g., “It’s a piece of cake”). Article “a” is fixed. Often followed by “for + person” or “to + verb” (“It’s a piece of cake to install”).
Synonyms
- easy as pie
- a cinch
- a breeze
- child's play
- simple
Antonyms
- a tough nut to crack
- no picnic
- an uphill battle
- hard as nails
- easier said than done