icing on the cake
Meaning
An extra benefit or pleasant addition that makes a good situation even better.
Origin
From cake decoration: icing is a sweet topping added after the cake is already made, so it represents an additional, non-essential improvement.
Notes
Used for an added bonus on top of something already good. Common in everyday speech; can be used sarcastically depending on tone/context.
Examples
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Getting a bonus after the promotion was the icing on the cake.
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The hotel room already had a great view, and the free breakfast was the icing on the cake.
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Winning the championship was amazing; breaking the record too was the icing on the cake.
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She was thrilled to land the job, and being able to work remotely was the icing on the cake.
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The meal was delicious, and the surprise dessert was the icing on the cake.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a noun phrase: βItβs the icing on the cake.β Also βthe icing on the cake wasβ¦β or β(just) icing on the cakeβ as a complement. Article is typically βthe.β
Synonyms
- a bonus
- an added bonus
- the cherry on top
- an extra perk
Antonyms
- a drawback
- a downside
- a blemish