Learn a new phrase and make your English sound more natural and interesting. Words We Use is a bilingual series that helps you understand idioms like 'a piece of cake'
A piece of cake — you’ve probably heard it before. Literally, it’s a slice of cake. Sweet, soft, easy to eat. But in English, when we say something is a piece of cake, we mean it’s really easy to do – simple, quick and stress-free.
Today, you’ll hear it in all kinds of situations.
When replying to someone and wanting to say yes, that’s easy.
- Sure. It’s a piece of cake.
This phrase is very useful when talking about everyday tasks:
- Folding laundry? Honestly, piece of cake for me, but my brother finds it more difficult!
You can also use it at work or school:
- That quiz last week? Oh, total piece of cake. I got every question right.
Use it to encourage or reassure someone that something’s easy.:
- Go on, try it, you’ll see, it’s a piece of cake!
Use it in challenging situations to show something’s not too hard:
- Climbing that hill? Piece of cake!
You can also use it to describe things that aren’t literal but still easy or simple:
- Solving mysteries? He makes it look like a piece of cake.
Explore the entire series Words we use by clicking here to listen!
Credits:
Host: Shannon Williams
Written by: Josipa Kosanovic
Graphic design: Dory Wang
Educational consultant: Professor Lynda Yates
Produced by: Josipa Kosanovic
