piece of the pie: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘piece of the pie’ mean?
The idiom "piece of the pie" means to have a share or portion of something, typically related to money or opportunities. It implies being included or involved in a particular situation or endeavor.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "put food on the table" means to provide the necessary income or means to support oneself and one's family.
The idiom "pull one's weight" means to contribute one's fair share of effort or work in a group or team.
The idiom "pretty penny" means a significant or large amount of money. It is often used to emphasize the high cost or value of something.
The idiom "play one's part" means to do one's assigned or expected role in a particular situation or activity.
The idiom "play a part" means to have a role or contribute to a particular situation or outcome.
The idiom "pitch in" means to join in and help or contribute to a task or activity.
The idiom "pin money" refers to a small amount of extra money that is earned for personal use or personal expenses.
The idiom "pie-in-the-sky" refers to something that is unrealistic or unlikely to happen. It describes a situation or idea that may seem appealing or enticing, but is not practical or achievable in reality.
The idiom "pie in the sky" means something that is unrealistic or unlikely to happen. It refers to a promise or idea that sounds good but is not practical or achievable.
The idiom "piece of work" refers to a person who is difficult to deal with or understand, often due to their complex or challenging behavior or personality.
Unraveling the Idiom
The idiom "piece of the action" is closely related to "piece of the pie." It refers to being involved or participating in an exciting or profitable venture. Just like individuals or groups strive to obtain a larger piece of the pie, they also seek to have a piece of the action. This idiom conveys a desire to experience the benefits, excitement, or rewards that come from being a part of something successful or lucrative.
Similarly, the idiom "finger in the pie" is linked to the concept of having a piece of the pie. It suggests being involved or having an influence in a particular situation or endeavor. When someone has a finger in the pie, they are actively engaged and have a stake in the outcome. This idiom emphasizes the idea of being part of the decision-making or beneficial aspect of a venture or project.
Another related idiom is "piece of someone." While it may not be directly connected to "piece of the pie," it shares a similar concept of obtaining or having a share of something. In this case, the idiom refers to having influence or control over someone. When someone has a piece of someone, they have an emotional or personal connection that allows them to sway opinions, decisions, or actions. This idiom highlights the power or influence one person can have over another.
The idiom "piece of cake" is not directly related to "piece of the pie," but it shares a similar structure and meaning. It means that something is very easy or effortless to achieve or accomplish. Just like obtaining a larger piece of the pie or being part of a successful venture can be challenging, "piece of cake" highlights situations where success or accomplishment is a breeze. This idiom is often used to convey a sense of confidence, simplicity, or lack of difficulty in a task or endeavor.
When you consider these related idioms alongside the idiom "piece of the pie," it's clear that they all revolve around the idea of obtaining a share, benefit, or success. They emphasize the concepts of participation, influence, and ease of accomplishment. Whether it's vying for a larger piece of the pie, having a finger in the pie, having a piece of someone, or something being a piece of cake, these idioms highlight the human desire for connection, influence, and success.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "piece of the pie" can be used in a sentence:
- After years of hard work, she finally got her piece of the pie when she was promoted to senior manager.
- The company expanded its operations to new markets, hoping to increase sales and grab a bigger piece of the pie.
- With the new government policies, small businesses are now getting a fairer piece of the pie in terms of government contracts.