a piece of cake
a piece of cake
Meaning
- very easy task
- something easily done
- very simple work
- effortlessly prepared or done
- simple job that can straightforwardly be accomplished
Example Sentences
- Don’t worry, Sophie – this job interview will be a piece of cake for you – you have all the skills they need and I think you’re absolutely the best candidate.
- They said the test would be difficult, but it was a piece of cake – I’ll pass with no problem at all.
- Don’t think that this term’s work will be a piece of cake – you’ll have to study hard to get good grades.
- Some parts of cooking are really difficult, but I found that making spaghetti Bolognese is a piece of cake.
- Giving Maria a make-over was a piece of cake, because she’s so naturally beautiful.
- I’ll have to work really hard for the theory part of the exam, but the practical part will be a piece of cake, because I’ve been practicing for so long.
Origin
It is believed that this phrase was invented in the 1870s during slavery in the southern states of America. As part of a dance or celebration organised by slave owners, black slaves would compete in ‘cake walks’, performing a dance which imitated and subtely mocked the elaborate and ostentatious gestures of the white slave owners. The most elegant couple/team would be given a cake as an award. It seems that the white slave owners didn’t understand that they were being mocked in these elaborate ‘cake walk’ dances, and took great delight in watching ‘their slaves’ emulating their ‘refined’ behavior. The piece of cake that was awarded as the prize to the best couple/team, came to be known among the blacks as something very easy to obtain. (A sort of underhand and hidden insult to unknowing white ruling class.)
Synonyms
- as easy as pie
- child’s play
- a snap
- a cinch
- a walk in the park
About the Author
Elena Jones holds a PhD in Education from Harvard University. She has extensive experience teaching at both the Kâ12 and university levels, with a particular focus on English as a Second Language. Elena has dedicated her career to advancing educational practices, and she has contributed to numerous educational journals.
Similar Idioms
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Share your opinions7 Opinions
I have a hard time believing that the source of this idiom is as described. Being the best at something isnt easy. Unless it was used sarcastically and/or as a bragging point, as in “I’m so good, I can just walk in there and take that cake without breaking a sweat. ”
However, amongst our mothers of old, one could whip up a simple cake easily with the ingredients on hand. Same with pie, an experienced cook could throw that together with ease.
Even with this possible source, it is more braggdiccio:
“Are your sure you can do this, it looks really difficult?” asks the doubtful one.
“No problem, my friend! It’s as easy as baking a cake.” says the smugly confident one.
“But making a cake isnt easy, there are so many steps.”
“Not for me!”
‒ Taunya J Brandon February 11, 2023
I have group discussion tomorrow’s, my mam gave home work. I don’t know what is the meaning of this idiom “a piece of cake.”
‒ Bala September 14, 2021
Your definition about anything invented in the 1870s during slavery in the southern states of America loses a bit of credibility when one considers that the Civil war ended in 1865 and slavery had been pretty much abolished by the Emancipation proclamation in 1863.
As to the cakewalk part of your definition, that is somewhat more credible as a cakewalk as originally established was a contest in which pretty much anyone who wanted to keep playing won something eventually.
‒ Native American speaker (Late Boomer) March 27, 2020
Climbing up the Everest mountain ia not a piece of cake.
‒ Anonymous January 27, 2020
Solving the question paper was a piece of cake
‒ Anonymous January 9, 2020
A piece of cake flew around my room.
‒ A Potato November 15, 2018
I agree I took a test and it was real easy as cake.
‒ Brian April 23, 2018