A piece of cake: meaning and common use

The rule

'A piece of cake' is an informal English idiom meaning very easy to do or deal with.

Example 1 of 3

Say it like this

Replacing the light bulb above the bathroom mirror was a piece of cake.

The speaker found the household repair very easy to complete.

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Example 2 of 3

Say it like this

After she memorized the keyboard shortcut, cropping images was a piece of cake.

Learning the shortcut removed the difficulty from the editing chore.

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Example 3 of 3

Say it like this

Can you reserve a table for four tonight? Piece of cake.

The short reply casually confirms that making the reservation will be effortless.

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Good to know

Because ease is subjective, describing an experience as a piece of cake reflects your personal confidence.

Quick check

Answer in your head. Answers next.

1. 1. Which sentence avoids common learner mistakes with this idiom?
   • A All three grammar exercises were a piece of cake.
   • B All three grammar exercises were pieces of cakes.
   • C Our new English teacher is a piece of cake.

Answers

1. 1. All three grammar exercises were a piece of cake.The idiom remains 'a piece of cake' even when referring to plural tasks, and it never describes people.