IdiomFood & Drink
Portuguese
Portuguesea cereja do bolo
Meaning: the crowning touch; something wonderful that completes something already good.
Literally: The cherry of the cake
Example: “O jantar foi ótimo, e a cereja do bolo foi o fogo de artifício.” — Dinner was great, and the fireworks were the icing on the cake.
English equivalent: The icing on the cake
Equivalents in other languages
Icelandic: Rúsínan í pylsuendanum Literally: The raisin at the end of the sausage
Spanish: poner el broche de oro Literally: To put the golden clasp
French: La cerise sur le gâteau Literally: The cherry on the cake
English: the icing on the cake
Origin: The cherry placed on top of a finished cake is the last decorative touch. Portuguese uses it, like English "the cherry on top" and French la cerise sur le gâteau, for the finishing touch that makes something already good perfect, and often ironically for one final annoyance. No particular story lies behind it.
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