THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
The icing on the cake
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
An extra good thing that makes an already good situation even better.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The course was excellent, and meeting a future collaborator was the icing on the cake.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The course was excellent, and meeting a future collaborator was ________.
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The icing on the cake — An extra good thing that makes an already good situation even better.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “The icing on the cake” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
An extra good thing that makes an already good situation even better.
Compare: The course was excellent, and meeting a future collaborator was the icing on the cake.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when a welcome bonus adds to something you already value. It is conversational and positive.
More examples in context
- We loved the flat; the sunny balcony was the icing on the cake.
- Finishing the project felt great, and the team’s kind feedback was the icing on the cake.
Usage note
The main situation should already be good. This idiom describes an added benefit, rather than the essential thing that makes the situation worthwhile.
A short conversation
A: Was the weekend workshop worth attending?
B: Yes, I learned a lot. Winning a free book was the icing on the cake.
A: That sounds like a good weekend.
One more practice question
Which benefit is the icing on the cake?
A. A welcome extra added to an already enjoyable experience.
B. The only essential feature without which an experience has no value.
Check your answer
A. The expression refers to an additional positive feature.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.