cherry on top

USAGE SUMMARY

"cherry on top" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used to express that something is the best or most desirable part of something else. For example, "She was over the moon when she got the job - the cherry on top was a salary increase!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

That's the cherry on top.

Independent

Put a cherry on top!

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And the cherry on top.

The Guardian - Sport

"Missy's rap was the cherry on top".

The New Yorker

It means something extra, like a cherry on top".

The New York Times - Magazine

And the chocolate sundae cupcake has a cherry on top.

The New York Times

It's the cherry on top of the ice cream".

The Guardian - Music

"Whipped-cream fecklessness with a cherry on top," she said.

The New York Times

"That is the whipped cream and cherry on top of this sundae".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Duvdevan means "cherry" in Hebrew a reflection of its cherry-on-top status in the military.

The New Yorker

The so to speak cherry-on-top remained the weather--uncooperative throughout the miserable two days.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cherry on top" to emphasize a particularly delightful or advantageous aspect of an already positive situation.

Common error

Avoid using "cherry on top" in negative situations. It implies a positive addition, so it's inappropriate to say something like, "The disaster was bad enough, and then the hurricane was the cherry on top". Instead, consider phrases like "the last straw".

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic phrase "cherry on top" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a predicative complement. It signifies an additional, often unexpected, benefit that enhances an already positive situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it adds a layer of desirability. It refers to a final, attractive feature.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Academia

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cherry on top" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe an additional benefit that enhances an already positive situation. According to Ludwig AI, it serves to express the best or most desirable part of something. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media sources, with a neutral to informal register. When writing, avoid using the phrase in negative situations, as it implies a positive addition. Consider alternatives like ""icing on the cake"" for similar meanings. Its presence in numerous examples shows its established place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

icing on the cake

Classic idiom with nearly identical meaning.

the perfect finishing touch

Emphasizes the idea of completion and enhancement.

the final flourish

Suggests a stylish and elegant addition.

the ultimate bonus

Highlights the extra benefit aspect.

an added advantage

Focuses on the beneficial nature of the addition.

a welcome addition

Emphasizes the positive reception of the extra element.

the best part of it all

Highlights the superiority of the final addition.

the crowning glory

Implies magnificence and culmination.

the pièce de résistance

French term for the most impressive item.

the last piece of the puzzle

Highlights the completion aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "cherry on top" in a sentence?

The phrase "cherry on top" is used to describe an additional benefit or positive aspect that enhances an already good situation. For example, "She got the job, and the high salary was the "cherry on top"".

What's a good alternative to "cherry on top"?

A common alternative is "icing on the cake", which carries a very similar meaning. Other options could be "the perfect finishing touch" or "the ultimate bonus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cherry on the top" grammatically correct?

While understandable, the more common and idiomatic phrasing is ""cherry on top"". Sticking to this phrasing will make your writing sound more natural.

When is it inappropriate to use "cherry on top"?

It's best to avoid using "cherry on top" in negative or serious contexts. The phrase has a lighthearted and positive connotation, so it's not suitable for describing unfortunate or tragic events. Consider using alternatives like "the last straw".