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The meaning and origin of the expression: Piece of cake

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Piece of cake

What's the meaning of the phrase 'Piece of cake'?

A straightforward task that can easily be accomplished.

What's the origin of the phrase 'Piece of cake'?

This phrase is of American origin. At least, the earliest citation of it that I can find is from the American poet and humorist Ogden Nash's Primrose Path, 1936:


The choice of cake or pie as a symbol of ease and pleasantry is well represented in the language. Other phrases along the same lines include 'as easy as pie', 'a cake-walk', 'that takes the cake/biscuit'.

See other phrases that were coined in the USA.
