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You are here: Home / Language / What Does the Expression “That Takes the Cake” Mean and Where Did the Phrase Come From?

What Does the Expression “That Takes the Cake” Mean and Where Did the Phrase Come From?

May 21, 2020 by Karen Hill

African Americans of the Old South highlighted their social season with a dancing contest called a cakewalk.

The contestants often practiced for months and included couples of all ages.

The prize was a huge cake which was set in the center of the hall and around which the dancers exhibited their skills.

A panel of judges would watch the innovative dancers until a winner was chosen, who would then “take the cake.”

We say, “That takes the cake” when something is done exceptionally well.

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Filed Under: Language

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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