The Icing on the Cake: An extra advantage or additional benefit. This term refers to the sweet creamy topping of a cake and has been transferred since the mid-1900s. A book review in The Listener used it: “All this theology is icing on the cake” (April 3, 1969; cited by the OED).
Related terms and expressions:
- Cherry on Top: Another phrase used in a similar context, referring to an extra bonus or positive feature.
- Bells and Whistles: Extra features added to something simple, making it more spectacular or appealing.
- Gravy: An additional unexpected benefit, derived from the cuisine realm.
Synonyms:
- Bonus
- Perk
- Extra
- Fringe Benefit
Antonyms:
- Necessity
- Requirement
Humor-Filled Quote: “Getting free refills on popcorn at the cinema is like a low-budget version of the icing on the cake.”
Literature Reference: In The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, the opulent parties could be seen as the “icing on the cake” to Gatsby’s already lavish lifestyle, illustrating the unnecessary extravagance that defines his pursuit of the American Dream.
Movie Recommendation: The Imitation Game (2014) – Alan Turing’s decryption of the Enigma code was crucial, but his general pioneering work in computing? That’s the icing on the cake.
Inspirational Thought: “Start with a solid foundation in life, but seek out the icing on the cake – those moments and experiences that make existence not just bearable, but delightful.”
Proverb: “It’s not what one undertakes, but how they complete it, that brings the icing on the cake.”
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About the Author
T. S. Tidbit-teller is a self-proclaimed aficionado of overused expressions and adages that never fail to sprinkle humor and wit into serious conversations. With an infectious enthusiasm for language, T.S. ensures that even the most mundane details dazzle like sparkling sugar crystals.
Farewell Thought: “Sometimes, it’s the sweet little extras that elevate our experiences from mere sustenance to sumptuous satisfaction. Find your icing, and savor every decadent moment.”
Enjoy “🍰 The Icing on the Cake: Adding Sweetness to Life’s Simple Pleasures 🎂,” an illustrative dive into the labyrinth of clichés and idioms that punctuate our lives with humor, nostalgia, and little pearls of wisdom.
