Question

The exam was a piece of cake; I finished it in 20 minutes.

• A. Very difficult
• B. Involved a dessert
• C. Very easy
• D. Confusing and messy

Answer 1

Answer:

C. Very easy

Understanding the Idiom: "A Piece of Cake"

• The phrase "a piece of cake" is an English idiom that means something is very easy to do, accomplish, or understand.
• It implies that the task requires minimal effort and can be completed quickly, similar to how easily one might eat a piece of cake.

Origin and Etymology

• The exact origin of the phrase is somewhat debated, but one popular theory links it to the early 20th century.
• It is believed to have originated from the American military slang, possibly becoming popular after World War II.
• The earliest known written use dates back to the 1930s, particularly in contexts like describing easy flying missions.
• Another theory suggests it might be related to the idea of a 'cakewalk' (a dance in which a cake was awarded as a prize), which implied an easy victory. However, 'cakewalk' specifically refers to something easy to win, while 'a piece of cake' refers to something easy to do.

Usage in Context

• Example: "Learning to ride a bicycle was a piece of cake for him." (Meaning: It was very easy for him to learn.)
• Example: "Don't worry about the presentation; it's a piece of cake." (Meaning: It's very easy to prepare or deliver.)

Relevance for Competitive Exams

• Idioms and phrases are a common component of the English language section in various competitive examinations (e.g., UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, CAT, GRE, GMAT).
• Candidates are often tested on their understanding of such phrases, including their meaning and appropriate usage in sentences.
• Questions typically involve:
  • Identifying the meaning of an idiom from given options.
  • Completing sentences with the correct idiom.
  • Spotting errors related to the incorrect usage of idioms.
• Mastering common idioms like "a piece of cake" is crucial for scoring well in the English language section.

Synonyms and Related Idioms

• Synonyms: Effortless, simple, straightforward, undemanding, facile.
• Related Idioms:
  • "As easy as falling off a log": extremely easy.
  • "No sweat": easily accomplished, without difficulty.
  • "Walk in the park": an extremely easy task.
  • "A cinch": something that is very easy to do.