Learning French: What is the meaning of cerise sur le gâteau and other baking expressions?
This expression will be the cherry to top off your French idiom toolkit
A phrase used to show satisfaction and enthusiasm, similar to: the icing on the cake
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France is famous for its boulangeries and patisseries, but have you heard of this cake-themed expression?
This phrase is used to describe a final touch which brings everything together.
We will take a look at how to use this phrase in everyday French and teach you even more bakery idioms.
What does cerise sur le gâteau mean?
This expression translates in English as: the cherry on the cake.
It is used to refer to the final detail added to make something perfect, often expressing satisfaction or enthusiasm.
Similar expressions which are also popular in English include: the icing on the cake, the cherry on top, the final touch.
In French, a synonym could be: le clou du spectacle - the show-stopper (for any fans of the Great British Bake Off or Le Meilleur Pâtissier).
Read also: 6 ways to express your good mood in French
When do you say cerise sur le gâteau?
This classic expression can be used in many contexts, with friends or strangers, and can appear in spoken and written French.
It is most often used to emphasise excitement when a good situation gets even better:
J'étais déjà trop contente d'avoir gagné des billets de concert, mais la cerise sur le gâteau, c'était d'avoir des places au premier rang ! - I was already so happy to have won tickets to the concert, but the icing on the cake was having front-row seats!
On the other hand, this expression can also be used sarcastically:
Je suis tellement fatigué, je n'ai pas dormi et, cerise sur le gâteau, ma machine à café est en panne. - I am so tired, I haven’t slept and to top it all off, my coffee machine is broken.
Read also: Exploring humorous French expressions: the art of complaining with wit (connexionfrance.com)
Other French baking expressions?
Baking is a theme which pops up in many French expressions, such as:
C’est du gâteau – It’s a piece of cake
Ce n’est pas de la tarte – It’s not easy
Se faire rouler dans la farine – To be taken advantage of
Se vendre comme des petits pains – To sell like hot cakes
Être long comme un jour sans pain – To have a long day
Do you know any others?
Read also: Learn from the French: how to order the perfect baguette
