Piece of cake Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🍰
piece of cake
[piːs əv keɪk ]
Definition
easy task
Something that is very easy to do or accomplish; a task that requires little effort.
Synonyms
breeze, easy-peasy, walk in the park.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| piece of cake |
Used to describe something very easy to do, often when someone wants to emphasize that a task was completed without much effort.
|
| easy-peasy |
A playful, childlike expression often used informally to indicate that something is extremely easy.
|
| breeze |
Used to express that something is straightforward and simple to achieve. It carries a slightly casual, relaxed tone.
|
| walk in the park |
Another way to describe a task that is very simple and not challenging, often used to suggest a sense of leisure in completing the task.
|
Examples of usage
- That test was a piece of cake for me.
- Fixing the car was a piece of cake once I figured out the problem.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- The phrase has appeared in songs and movies, often to denote a laid-back attitude towards challenging tasks.
- A famous example is the song ‘Piece of Cake’ by the band 'The Offspring,' which plays on the metaphor of ease.
- Comedians and TV shows frequently use the phrase for humor, illustrating how people might underestimate tasks.
Psychology
- Using positive language like 'piece of cake' can boost confidence and motivation when tackling challenges.
- Research suggests that framing tasks as easy can help reduce anxiety and improve performance.
- This phrase exemplifies a growth mindset, where people believe challenges can be simple with the right approach.
Literature
- In literary works, characters often use the phrase to downplay daunting situations, creating a contrast with the challenges they face.
- Authors use it to convey a sense of irony, especially when a task turns out to be more difficult than expected.
- The phrase sometimes serves as a metaphor for life itself, portraying the ups and downs of 'easy' versus 'hard' experiences.
Idioms and Expressions
- Similar expressions exist in other cultures, such as 'easy as pie' in English and 'piece of resistance' in French.
- Many idioms related to food convey easy tasks, attaching positive feelings to accomplishing them without struggle.
- The metaphor highlights the human tendency to liken effortless achievements to enjoyable experiences.
Origin of 'piece of cake'
Main points about word origin
- The phrase originated in the 19th century, where it was commonly used in the context of contests and competitions.
- The connection to cake signifies something sweet and enjoyable, suggesting that easy tasks feel nice.
- In the 1930s, it became popular in American English, emphasizing ease in completing something.
The phrase 'piece of cake' originated in the 1930s in the United States. It is believed to have come from the idea that cake is a delightful and easy thing to enjoy, thus making any task associated with it seem simple and pleasant.