Francophonie· easy
être la cerise sur le gâteau
“to be the cherry on the cake”
Meaning
to be the finishing touch
Explanation
This expression means to be the perfect finishing detail that tops everything off, just like "the cherry on top" in English.
Example
On a trouvé un hôtel magnifique, et la cerise sur le gâteau, il avait une vue sur la mer.
We found a beautiful hotel, and the cherry on top, it had a sea view.
Origin
According to lexicographer Alain Rey, this is a direct translation of the English 'the cherry on the cake' (or American 'the cherry on the sundae'), borrowed into French in the early 20th century. It can be used positively or ironically.
Source
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- avoir une faim de loupTo be ravenously hungry
- couper la poire en deuxTo meet the other side halfway