icing on the cake

USAGE SUMMARY

'icing on the cake' is a correct and very commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that makes an already positive situation even better. For example, "Winning this award was fantastic, but finding out I also won a free trip was the icing on the cake!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Icing on the cake.

The New York Times

"This is icing on the cake.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's icing on the cake," he said.

The New York Times

The rest is icing on the cake".

The New York Times - Sports

It merely provided icing on the cake.

The Guardian - Opinion

"But it's icing on the cake.

The New York Times

Icing on the cake Israel's capital is all about pleasure.

Independent

The injuries, he said, were "icing on the cake".

The New York Times

"When he drinks, it is like icing on the cake".

The New York Times

She considers state pension benefits "icing on the cake".

The New York Times

"That would be icing on the cake," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "icing on the cake" to emphasize that something is an additional benefit rather than a core requirement. For example, 'The job offered a good salary, and the flexible hours were the "icing on the cake"'.

Common error

Avoid using "icing on the cake" when the supposed 'icing' is actually essential. If the flexible hours are what made you accept the job, don't call them the "icing on the cake"; they are the cake itself.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "icing on the cake" functions as an idiomatic expression used to describe an additional benefit or enhancement to an already positive situation. Ludwig confirms its correct and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "icing on the cake" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe something that enhances an already positive situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s often used in news, academic, and informal contexts. Related phrases include "cherry on top" and "added bonus". When using this phrase, ensure that the 'icing' is indeed a secondary benefit and not the primary reason for satisfaction. With its neutral register and widespread understanding, "icing on the cake" is a versatile addition to your vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cherry on top

This alternative is a common idiom that signifies a final, perfect addition to something already good.

the perfect finishing touch

This phrase highlights the element of completion and enhancement that "icing on the cake" provides.

an added bonus

This alternative focuses on the benefit received in addition to what was expected or already present.

a welcome addition

This phrase emphasizes the positive reception of the extra element or benefit.

gravy

This alternative means something good that is unexpected or easily obtained.

extra credit

This term suggests a reward or advantage gained beyond the standard requirements or expectations.

a silver lining

This phrase refers to a hopeful or comforting prospect in the face of difficulty, but applied to an already positive scenario.

the last piece of the puzzle

This alternative highlights the completion aspect, suggesting that something was missing until this final element.

cream on top

Similar to the primary phrase, it describes the addition of something that enriches the overall experience or outcome.

a sweet ending

This suggests a pleasant conclusion that improves the overall positive experience.

FAQs

How to use "icing on the cake" in a sentence?

Use "icing on the cake" to describe something that makes a good situation even better. For example, "The promotion was great, and the bonus was the "icing on the cake"".

What can I say instead of "icing on the cake"?

You can use alternatives like "cherry on top", "added bonus", or "perfect finishing touch" depending on the context.

Is "icing on the cake" a positive expression?

Yes, ""icing on the cake"" is a positive expression used to describe an additional benefit or something that makes a good situation even better.

What's the difference between "icing on the cake" and "cherry on top"?

Both ""icing on the cake"" and "cherry on top" have similar meanings, representing something that enhances an already positive situation. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey.