AEE 2393: Sweeten Up Your English with These Expressions

Summary

All Ears English Podcast: Episode 2393 Summary

Title: Sweeten Up Your English with These Expressions
Hosts: Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan
Release Date: April 17, 2025

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Introduction

In Episode 2393 of the All Ears English Podcast, hosts Lindsay McMahon and Michelle Kaplan delve into the delightful world of sweet-themed English expressions. Tailored for intermediate to advanced English learners, this episode not only explores the meanings and usages of various idioms but also engages listeners with relatable anecdotes and interactive role-plays.

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Listener Engagement

The episode kicks off with a listener question from Mao Taka in Japan, who asks about the expression "take the cake" and seeks additional sweet-related expressions. The hosts express gratitude for the listener's support, highlighting a five-star review and Mao's anticipation for future episodes.

Michelle Kaplan [03:40]: "Thank you, Mao. They said, 'I'm looking forward to checking if this podcast is updated after every day of work.' Oh, I love that."

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Main Topic: Sweet-Related Expressions

1. Take the Cake

Definition:
The expression "take the cake" signifies something that stands out as the most extreme—either the best or the worst—in a particular context.

Usage Examples:

• Positive:

  Michelle Kaplan [05:22]: "You have to see my doctor. He really takes the cake when it comes to good bedside manner."

• Negative:

  Michelle Kaplan [05:43]: "I've had some pretty bad experiences with the train system here, but this one really takes the cake."

Discussion:
Lindsay and Michelle discuss how "take the cake" emphasizes extremes and can be used both positively and negatively, often adding a dramatic or sarcastic tone.

Michelle Kaplan [06:12]: "It's a little sarcastic. It's kind of saying this is the best, the worst of the worst."

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2. Cherry on Top

Definition:
Refers to an additional element that enhances an already good situation, akin to the final touch that makes something perfect.

Usage Example:

Michelle Kaplan [11:22]: "I love the dinner and the cherry on top was when they came around and gave us free dessert at the end."

Origins:
The phrase originates from ice cream sundaes, where a cherry is literally placed on top of the dessert as the final embellishment.

Michelle Kaplan [11:29]: "We used to go and get these beautiful ice cream sundaes... and you'd get your cherry on top."

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3. The Proof is in the Pudding

Definition:
Means that the true value or quality of something can only be judged after it has been tried or tested.

Usage Example:

Michelle Kaplan [12:45]: "Our results speak for themselves. The proof is in the pudding."

Clarification:
Despite its culinary roots, the expression isn't about actual pudding but emphasizes tangible results over mere claims.

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4. Sweetie Pie

Definition:
A term of endearment used to express affection towards someone, such as children, pets, or loved ones.

Usage Example:

Michelle Kaplan [13:28]: "Perfect. A sweetie pie, though, that's a term of endearment."

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5. Sugar High

Definition:
Describes a state of hyperactivity or increased energy resulting from consuming a lot of sugar, commonly used in the context of children but applicable to adults as well.

Usage Example:

Michelle Kaplan [14:06]: "They run around the rest of the day from the sugar high."

Discussion:
Michelle shares a personal anecdote about her daughter having a sugar high from eating gummy bears, highlighting how this expression captures the temporary bursts of energy followed by a crash.

Michelle Kaplan [15:09]: "When my kids have donuts, they run around the rest of the day from the sugar high."

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Cultural Insights

Both hosts touch upon cultural differences in the perception and presentation of sweets, particularly noting Japan's intricate dessert presentations compared to the more straightforward styles in the U.S.

Michelle Kaplan [10:02]: "In Japan, there's a big culture around cake shops... so beautifully presented."

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Interactive Role Play

To reinforce the learning of these expressions, Lindsay and Michelle engage in a role-play scenario discussing beach vacations. They seamlessly incorporate the discussed expressions, providing practical examples of their usage.

Role Play Highlights:

• Using "Take the Cake" Positively:

  Lindsay [16:13]: "I've been to so many beaches in the area, but this one takes the cake."

• Applying "Proof is in the Pudding":

  Michelle [16:15]: "Don't take my word for it. The proof is in the pudding."

• Employing "Sweetie Pie":

  Michelle [18:25]: "The owner is a total sweetie pie."

• Mentioning "Sugar High":

  Michelle [18:45]: "They have ice cream, so your kids will probably have a sugar high after."

This segment not only illustrates the expressions in context but also fosters a more engaging and memorable learning experience for listeners.

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Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Lindsay and Michelle encourage listeners to "sweeten up their English" by integrating these vibrant expressions into their daily conversations. They emphasize moving beyond textbook idioms to include phrases that resonate with personal interests and cultural experiences, making English more expressive and enjoyable.

Lindsay McMahon [19:25]: "Don't just settle with the common idioms that you read in your textbook."

The hosts tease the possibility of future episodes delving deeper into sweet-related expressions, inviting listeners to stay tuned and continue enhancing their English fluency through dynamic and relatable content.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Michelle Kaplan [05:22]: "You have to see my doctor. He really takes the cake when it comes to good bedside manner."
• Michelle Kaplan [11:22]: "I love the dinner and the cherry on top was when they came around and gave us free dessert at the end."
• Michelle Kaplan [12:45]: "Our results speak for themselves. The proof is in the pudding."
• Michelle Kaplan [14:06]: "They run around the rest of the day from the sugar high."
• Lindsay McMahon [19:25]: "Don't just settle with the common idioms that you read in your textbook."

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Final Remarks

This episode of All Ears English masterfully intertwines educational content with personal anecdotes and interactive segments, making the learning of English idioms both effective and enjoyable. By focusing on sweet-themed expressions, Lindsay and Michelle provide listeners with a flavorful addition to their English vocabulary, encouraging them to connect rather than strive for perfection.

To continue enhancing your English skills, don't forget to subscribe and explore more engaging episodes from All Ears English.

Transcript

[Lindsay McMahon]

This is an All Ears English podcast.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Episode 2393.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Sweeten up your English with these expressions. Welcome to the All Ears English podcast, downloaded more than 200 million times. Are you feeling stuck with your English? We'll show you how to become fearless and fluent by focusing on connection, not perfection, with your American hosts. Listen, Lindsay McMahon, the English adventurer and Michelle Kaplan, the New York radio girl coming to you from Colorado and New York City, usa. To get real time transcripts right on your phone and create your personalized vocabulary list, try the All Ears English app for iOS and Android. Start your seven day free trial at allearsenglish.com forward/app.

[Listener]

Today, our listener asks us how to use the expression take the cake. Find out how to use this and.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Get four more sweet English phrases.

[Listener]

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[Michelle Kaplan]

Hello, Michelle. How's it going today?

Good, Lindsay, how are you?

Good. I'm happy to be recording with you. What are we talking about today? I heard we were talking about cake.

Ooh. Lindsay, what's your favorite kind of cake?

Oh, my gosh. I think you asked me this recently, actually on the show. But I'll say something different. I like carrot cake because I love the frosting.

All right. And.

Oh, you don't like it? No.

Carrot cake. I will. Yeah.

Is that a cringe sound?

Yeah, it was a cringe. I am not setting foot near a carrot cake.

You don't like the frosting, though, the.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Cream cheese frosting, Michelle?

[Michelle Kaplan]

Oh, it's not your thing. Okay. Interesting. Okay, that's.

Yeah, that's one. Like, you know, there's. I don't know. Yeah. I mean, listen, I'm not going to, like, lose my mind if I have something like, like if I have an olive, I'm going to get very upset if I have some carrot cake. I'm. I'm, you know, it's okay. Like, I. But actually, I'm getting a birthday cake made for my daughter's birthday coming up, and so it's going to be a cookie dough cake.

Oh, yeah, that's fun. Interesting. All sorts of new flavors, new cake flavors. But we do have a great episode inspired by, by an expression. Should we let her.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Should we read the question first and.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Then we'll see what the question, what the expression is? All right, absolutely.

Let's do it.

All right, so this is from a listener in Japan. Ma Taka. Here we go. Tell me about it. You're definitely the best podcasters. This is in a review, by the way, a five star review. So thank you to Mao.

Thank you, Mao.

They said, I'm looking forward to checking if this podcast is updated after my. After every day of work. Oh, I love that. That is so great. Today I got a new interest expression from your episode. Lindsay said, take the cake. I'm curious about other expressions in which some sweets are used. Thank you for giving us thought provoking opportunities. Oh, amazing, amazing.

Thank you so much. M. This is a great, great question. This is going to be a lot of fun. So before we get into that, recently, we did another cake expression. Maybe that's the one that. Maybe that's where you said. Yeah, probably could be. So that episode, guys, check out 2365. That was. Can you have your cake and eat it too?

Yeah. And keep in mind, guys, what you're learning over there are totally different expressions from what you're learning here today. So who knew there would be so much to say about cake?

I mean, it makes sense, right? Cake is great. So, so, yeah. So, Lindsay, what does it mean to say something tastes, takes the cake?

It means it's the most of something or the best. Right. It's used for extremes. The best, the worst. Right. Or, and it can be emphatic, you can emphasize things. Right. It's not used when you're just apathetic about something. You don't really care or you're not really sure if there's much of a difference between this and that. Right?

Right.

Yeah, exactly.

You have a strong feeling for something and it can be used positively or negatively. So let's do some examples. Okay, you want to do the first one?

Yes. You have to see my doctor. He really takes the cake when it comes to good bedside manner. I love him. Yeah. So that.

[Lindsay McMahon]

So we can use this again to.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Apply to people categories of like, professionals. Right. The best dermatologist, the best doctor. So many different things. What else? Michelle, what's another example?

All right, so I've had some pretty bad experiences with the train system here, but this one really takes the cake.

So here's an example of something negative. Right? You're saying this is by far the worst train experience I've had here.

Right, exactly. The first one was saying that something is good. The next one was saying that this is not a good thing. I mean, do you think that. Are you more likely to use this in a positive or negative way or you think it really just can be either one?

That's a good question. So I. I think when you use it in a negative way, it's a little sarcastic. Right. It's kind of saying this is the. The best. The worst of the worst. Like it's. It's the best of the very dramatic. Most worst of the worst. It's dramatic. It's a little sarcastic. I say both.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Michelle, what about you?

[Michelle Kaplan]

I think so too. I think so too. I think it can just be used when you want to feel. When you want to be a little bit dramatic. Yes, yes. Let's do a couple more examples just to get. Give it a whirl. So we go. You've always been a good cook, but this meal takes the cake. Yum.

Yeah. So someone's just cooked a really great meal and you want to say this is by far the best one you've cooked. Right?

Yeah.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Or I've had some pretty bad dates.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Before, but this one takes the cake. Okay, so maybe this was the worst date ever. Right, right, Right.

So it's extreme. I mean, and it's often used, I think, to talk about a past experience and rel. The most extreme version of that experience. So it's often, in a way, you're. I mean, you're comparing it to something in a way, because you're not. If you've only done something once, you're it. It has to be used when you're really kind of have some context, when you have something extra experience.

Yeah, exactly. Right. If it's the first time you're doing something and it's a good or a bad experience, you can't say it takes the cake because there's nothing to compare it to. This is about comparing X to Y.

[Lindsay McMahon]

And Z and the others.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Right.

And even if you have done. Even if you are doing something for the first time and you say it takes a cake, you're still using it to relate it to other experiences you've had. There's still some sort of tie in.

I believe it has to be in context. I love that. Michelle, good point. Yes.

[Lindsay McMahon]

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[Michelle Kaplan]

Foreign. So our listener Ma did ask for a couple of other examples of sweets. Right. Expressions that have to do with sweets. And you know, as I traveled, as I lived, when I lived in Japan, I noticed that there's a big culture around cake shops, sweet shops especially. I mean, amazing. You went there too, Michelle. You must have seen in the, in the huge subway stations in the basement. They usually have department stores. And you walk in there and there's. Did you see that? Do you remember that?

Yeah. I love Japan. I want to go back so bad.

I know, Me too. But you walk in there and you see these amazing cake shops with just the most intricate details and so beautifully presented. So I think there's a big culture around desserts and sweets. Sweet shops in Japan. In Japan and, and, and the world, I think also probably other parts of Asia too. And, and obviously in, in Europe. Right. So we're, we're really missing the game here. When I, you know, we just, we have our whoopie pies and our, you know, I don't know, I just think the presentation of desserts can be so beautiful sometimes.

Yeah. Oh, my gosh. Absolutely. For sure. So let's talk about some of these expressions. And we have talked about other. I think way back we did another episode about, you know, cakewalk and things like that. You'd have to take a look for that one. But so I tried to put some new ones in. So what's the first one, Lindsay?

Okay. Cherry on top. Right. So this is the best and the worst part. An additional thing, something that tops it off at the End. For example, I love the dinner and the cherry on top was when they came around and gave us free dessert at the end. So it's like everything was good and then something additional was added that was good or could also be bad. Right. I, I, I feel like you use this one more in a good way, generally.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, me too. I would say, Lindsay. So, but why do cherry on top. I mean, what does that come from?

What does it come from? Ice cream sundaes. Michelle, did you go to friendlies? Did you have that brand?

Yes.

Okay, so that is a northeastern thing, I think, or an east coast thing. We used to go and get these beautiful ice cream sundaes, and the place to go was friendlies. And you'd get your ice cream, your whipped cream, your fudge sauce, and then your cherry on top.

Right on top. Y oh, actually that makes me think of. Have you ever heard, you know, kids would say pretty please with the cherry on top?

Sure. Yeah, that's, that's perfect. That ties that in, right?

Y Y exactly. When you're begging for something from your parents, you might say that.

Yes. All right, that's good. So that's a cherry on top. What's the next one?

The proof is in the pudding. Have you heard this one, Lindsay?

Of course. Michelle, can you explain what this means? Because it's a little bit advanced the concept, I think. It is.

It is. When I was looking it up, you know, I, I know sometimes we have expressions where I know how to use it in context, but it's a little bit, it a little bit tricky to actually explain it, but. So let's give it a try. So some, it's something can that can only really been be known once you, once you actually try it or experience it. Right. So like you. So for example, our results speak for themselves. The proof is in the pudding. You know, you can trust our company.

Yeah. So instead of trying to convince someone with statistics and fancy languaging, you would just say just try the thing. Right. And we're not literally talking about pudding. Right. I mean, I guess we could be a special recipe, but it's not about pudding. It's not about food here. Right. Just to be clear, it's about some product or something that that's doing well, that is successful, that people like. Right, right.

Exactly. Exactly. Yeah. And then there's sweetie pie.

Yeah. Not to be confused with whoopie pies, which I mentioned earlier. Do you know what a whoopie pie is?

Of course.

Okay. I want to make sure. I want to make sure. Because it's amazing. Yeah, yeah. Okay. Okay, Good, good.

So perfect. A sweetie pie, though, that's a term of endearment. I mean, it can be used for kids. Maybe your partner. So you could say, I teach first grade. A couple of my students are such sweetie pies.

Oh, yeah. And you might say this to your kid. Right. Or to your pet or something. Yeah. It's just a term of endearment. Right. As you said, a way of addressing someone that you feel affection for love. That.

Yeah. All right. And this next one, that you have.

Daily bouts with this with your kids, you want to make sure you avoid this for them. Right.

Oh, God. Just this morning, my daughter found a thing of gummy bears that I didn't want her to find. And she said, I just want to hold it. I just want to hold it. It's like seven in the morning. And then she. I heard her go, oh, can I just have wanna. And I come. And she's already eating it. Come on.

All right, so the key phrase here is sugar high. And especially for parents. Right. I guess sugar really affects kids body. They're so small. I guess it really just wires them. Right. So you have to.

There's usually a crash. Right. So.

Yeah, but it's not just kids. It's adults too. Right. We get this. Maybe we don't notice it, but we do. At least I do. Yeah. In the afternoon, for example, if I have like a carb heavy lunch, I. I feel that. Right. Maybe I have a lot of energy and then maybe I crash.

Crash. Yep. Yep, exactly. So a lot of times for kids especially taught it, it basically means they're acting a little crazy. So you could say. Yeah, when my kids have donuts, they run around the rest of the day from the sugar high.

Yeah. I feel like the. The common lore here is that people send their kids off to their grandparents and the grandparents load them up and then sen on their sugar highs. Does that happen?

Yep, yep. Well, it's just. Yeah, we. They'll be around. And especially Dan's parents, I love them. This is a. Not a negative thing, but there's a lot of, oh, here's this, here's that. And Dan and I are always like, stop, don't do it.

You can spoil them. They've earned that. Right. I guess, as grandparents. But that must be a little frustrating for you, for sure. Yeah. And sweets are used a lot in English, right, Michelle? I mean, we could do more episodes on this if we wanted to.

There's a ton, ton, A ton of these Kinds of expressions. So we'll have to come back to this one day, guys. Hit follow to make sure you don't miss it. But, Lindsay, let's do a role play.

All right, so here, Michelle, we are talking about beach vacations that we've taken.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Nice.

[Michelle Kaplan]

I could use a beach vacation right now.

Sounds very nice. All right, here we go. You have to go to Rehoboth Beach. I've been so. I've been to so many beaches in the area, but this one takes the cake.

Okay, I'll have to try it.

Yeah. I mean, don't take my word for it. The proof is in the pudding.

Well, I trust your opinion.

And you have to try this restaurant we love there. The owner is a total sweetie pie, but beware, they have ice cream, so your kids will probably have a sugar high after.

That's okay.

Yeah. The food options are the cherry on top for the town.

Great. Yeah. Rehoboth Beach. Now, that's in Delaware, right?

Delaware. Yeah. Yeah.

Yep. Yeah, I just chose it. Yeah, that's. That's like a favorite for people in the mid Atlantic, I think, usually. Right. Whereas when I grew up in the Northeast, so we used to go to Cape Cod all the time.

Oh, I love Cape Cod.

Yeah.

Like, have you ever been to Cape May?

That's in New Jersey. I accidentally drove to Cape May once. I thought I was on.

How does that happen?

I thought I was on 95 heading towards Washington, D.C. and I was going down the state of Jersey. Yeah. It was not good.

Yeah. Oh, my gosh. That's hilarious. Well, Cape May is beautiful.

Yeah. It's on the very bottom of New Jersey. Right.

Like, it's a very. Yeah. I don't know. It's just. It's just gorgeous. It's. It's very sweet town.

So many great ideas. Yeah. For our listeners who are living in the U.S. guys, these are places you could visit. Little beach towns, little experiences. Because there's so much literature written about beach towns in the U.S. right? Coastal towns, so many movie references. So check it out. Yeah. Okay.

All right, let's go through this role play. I realized that I took all the. The expressions in this role play.

I said, okay, I didn't get anything. Oh, my gosh.

I know. I didn't give you anything. My gosh. That's. That's. How rude. Okay, here we go. I said, I've been to so many beaches in the area, but this one takes the cake. So I'm saying it's good using this in a positive way, and I'm comparing it to other beaches.

Yes, exactly. So that's a positive use of that. And then you said, yeah, don't take my word word for it. Proof is in the pudding. So what are you saying there exactly?

You're saying, you know, I feel so confident about this. You don't have to. You just have to try it. And I know that you're gonna like it because it, the profits in the.

Pudding, it will sell itself in a sense. Right?

Yeah.

You have to actually go there to experience it. And then no more needs to be said.

Exactly.

Good. And then you said, and you have to try this restaurant we love there. The owner is a total sweetie pie. And just meaning he's nice. He or she is nice and sweet. Right. Love that.

But then I said, they have ice cream, so your kids will probably have a sugar high after.

Love it. And then you said, yeah, the food options are the cherry on top for the town. So. So you're saying the ice cream is like the foundation. Yeah. And then the. And then on top of all that, you get good food options in Rehoboth Beach.

Yeah, absolutely. So perfect. So it sounds like I really, I really, in this role play, I love using all of the dessert expression. Sounds like I need to go get an ice cream.

Yeah, it sounds like I need to try Rehoboth Beach. Geez. It sounds great.

I guess. So. Lindsay. Yeah. Anything that you want to leave our listeners with?

Yeah, I think it's fun to look at, you know, look at sweetening up your English. Right. Maybe that'll be our title today. Sweeten up your English with new expressions. Don't just settle with the common idioms that you read in your textbook. Guys, look to what are you excited about? Are you interested in sweets? And do you enjoy sweets? Maybe there's other, other ways you can add additional phrases and maybe we'll do another episode.

Right?

I love it. Just makes your English more interesting, more intriguing, more expressive.

[Lindsay McMahon]

All right.

[Michelle Kaplan]

Absolutely. Oh, my gosh. This was fun. Lindsay, let's go get some ice cream.

Yes, please. It has to be chocolate, Michelle, but yes. All right, we'll see you in the next episode.

All right, bye.

[Lindsay McMahon]

Thanks. Thanks for listening to Allears English. Would you like to know your English level? Take our two minute quiz. Go to allearsenglish.com fluencyscore and if you believe in connection, not perfection, then hit subscribe now to make sure you don't miss anything. See you next time.

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