Two expressions which have similar meanings are: “that’s a piece of cake” and “as easy as pie.” The latter saying originated here in America. During the 1890s the term “pie” was often used in reference to that which could be accomplished easily. Those who enjoy eating a slice of pie have no trouble downing it. Whereas the Oxford Dictionary reveals that the expression: “that’s a piece of cake” was first coined in England. Ogden Nash wrote in 1936: “Her picture’s in the papers now and life’s a piece of cake.” British airmen in World War II frequently used it. They were probably referring to one of their flight missions as being “a piece of cake,” meaning an easy assignment. Obviously their use of the saying was picked up by American military personnel. Beginning in the 1940s “that’s a piece of cake” came into common use here in the United States.
MOST OF US will pick an easy assignment to accomplish over a more difficult one. The primary reasons someone would select a hard task over an easy one is because they prefer a greater challenge. Another reason is that the more difficult task is better suited to their needs rather than the easy one. Nevertheless, we are more inclined to tackle the easy assignment. It would be more pleasurable just as downing a piece of cake.
Dub Mowery is a Gospel preacher in the Church of Christ. Presently he serves as full time evangelist for the Pittsburg Church of Christ. A native of Southeast Oklahoma, he is the author of Colloquial Sayings & Expressions (Morris Publishing, 2008) nativeheritage1@hotmail.com
