Definition & Meaning of "take the cake"in English

What is the origin of the idiom "take the cake" and when to use it?

The idiom "take the cake" likely originated in the United States in the 19th century. It originally referred to winning a cake as a prize in contests or competitions, particularly in rural fairs. Over time, it evolved to describe someone or something that is exceptionally outstanding, remarkable, or deserving of recognition.