Google
English-Test.net
Find penpals and make new friends today!
 
delivery; dispatch; conveyance
consignment
index
significance
trustee
TOEIC test: Word games: Free Online Noun Adjective Game Answer
 
Username
Password
 Remember me? 
Search   FAQ   Memberlist   Profile   Private messages   Register   Log in 

Why is the word "cake" used in the idiom "a piece of cake?



 
ESL/EFL Worksheets and Handouts for Students Printable, photocopiable, clearly structured
Designed for teachers and individual learners
For use in a classroom, at home, on your PC
ESL Forum | English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
meaning of "hang out" | Where are you going today? vs. Where are you go today?
Listening exercises
Message
Author
Why is the word "cake" used in the idiom "a piece of cake? #1 (permalink) Thu Feb 22, 2007 5:43 am   Why is the word "cake" used in the idiom "a piece of cake?
 

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #3 "A piece of cake", question 1

You shouldn't worry about the exam because you have prepared well and you'll probably find it a piece of cake.

(a) easy to digest
(b) easy to read
(c) easy to start
(d) very easy

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #3 "A piece of cake", answer 1

You shouldn't worry about the exam because you have prepared well and you'll probably find it very easy.

Correct answer: (d) very easy
_________________________

Why is the word "cake" used in the idiom "a piece of cake?
Why not ice cream or pie?

Deorra
Deorra
Guest





Why is the word "cake" used in the idiom "a piece of cake? #2 (permalink) Thu Feb 22, 2007 9:53 am   Why is the word "cake" used in the idiom "a piece of cake?
 

Hi,

'Piece of cake' is the conventional idiom and since it is idiomatic, it's not possible to exp[alin it logically.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Only Three Letters
Alan
Co-founder
Alan Townend

Joined: 27 Sep 2003
Posts: 8416
Location: UK

Are you a native speaker of English? Then you should read this!In this story you'll learn everything about the passive voiceHow many different ways with words do you know? Subscribe to free email English courseEnglish grammar exercises — improve your English knowledge and vocabulary skills
Why is the word "cake" used in the idiom "a piece of cake? #3 (permalink) Thu Feb 22, 2007 13:24 pm   Why is the word "cake" used in the idiom "a piece of cake?
 

Deorra wrote:
Why not ice cream or pie?

Oh, but you can say 'easy as pie', too.

http://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/41/messages/245.html

Some more assumptions about the origins and meanings of these expressions:

Quote:
cake walk, piece of cake/takes the cake - easy task/wins (the prize) - from the tradition of giving cakes as prizes in rural competitions. Brewer (1870) tells of the tradition in USA slavery states when slaves or free descendents would walk in a procession in pairs around a cake at a social gathering or party, the most graceful pair being awarded the cake as a prize. This also gave us the expression 'cake walk' and 'a piece of cake' both meaning a job or contest that's very easy to achieve or win, and the variation 'takes the biscuit', meaning to win (often ironically, to be the worst).

http://www.businessballs.com/clichesorigins.htm
Conchita
Language Coach


Joined: 26 Dec 2005
Posts: 2826
Location: Madrid, Spain

Display posts from previous:   
meaning of "hang out" | Where are you going today? vs. Where are you go today?
ESL Forum | English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests) Why is the word "cake" used in the idiom "a piece of cake? All times are GMT + 1 Hour
Page 1 of 1
Latest topics on English Forums
What does 'exploited' mean in this sentence?meaning of abroadWhat's the difference between 'principle' and 'principal'?meaning of poundedWhat's the difference between 'practicality' and 'practice'?What does 'eminent' stand for?meaning of awaitedmeaning of oathdifference between stop by and stop on?Meaning of still: Should I use the Present Simple in this sentence?Negative question tag?How many dressing expressing do you know?meaning of "capital account"flesh and blood vs. flesh and soulmeaning of "operation management"decision making skills vs. human resources skills vs. human relations skillsAbout of question with preposition at the endHow to use Conditional I?Why is the word "cake" used in the idiom "a piece of cake?

Discover English-test.net
I really enjoy an atmosphere at this ESL Forum!Perils vs. hazardsAll two vs two allWhat does "dispute" mean?Usage of wannaTOEIC verbal test: Vocabulary Sentence: English Verbs Nouns AdjectivesTOEIC practice test: Interactive word games: Free Online Verb Noun Adjective GameDefine grit, replacement, regress, fraction, scenery, disclaimerAnswers to vocabulary: Noun testsPreposition words: Speaking: Political PartyEnglish grammar quiz: Direct SalesInfidelity audio books, CDs, tapes, used cassettes, audio download

 
You can post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Subscribe to FREE email English course
First name E-mail