English · Emotions & Feelings
the icing on the cake
/ði ˈaɪ.sɪŋ ɒn ðə keɪk/
[/ði ˈaɪ.sɪŋ ɒn ðə keɪk/]
a final bonus
Intermediatephrase
Definition
An extra good thing that makes an already good situation even better.
Example
Winning the award was wonderful, and the generous prize money was just the icing on the cake.
Winning the award was wonderful, and the generous prize money was just the icing on the cake.
Etymology
A 20th-century metaphor from the sweet finishing layer added on top of a baked cake.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for a final pleasant addition to something already good.