What does “Sell like hot cakes” mean?

"Sell like hot cakes" means that a product or item is selling rapidly and in large quantities.

What context can I use the in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

Example

The new iPhone model is selling like hot cakes.

Example

During the holiday season, toys tend to sell like hot cakes.

Example

The limited edition sneakers sold out within minutes, they were selling like hot cakes

Is “Sell like hot cakes” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Sell like hot cakes” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Sell like hot cakes” effectively in context?

You can use "Sell like hot cakes" to describe something that is selling very quickly and in large quantities. It emphasizes the popularity and high demand for a product or item. For example, if a new video game console is in high demand and selling out rapidly, you might say, 'The console is selling like hot cakes, everyone wants to get their hands on it.'

1Technology
The new iPhone model is selling like hot cakes.
The new iPhone model is selling like hot cakes.
2Retail
During the holiday season, toys tend to sell like hot cakes.
During the holiday season, toys tend to sell like hot cakes.
3Fashion
The limited edition sneakers sold out within minutes, they were selling like hot cakes.
The limited edition sneakers sold out within minutes, they were selling like hot cakes.

Similar phrases to “Sell like hot cakes”:

Fly off the shelves

To sell very quickly and in large quantities

Example

The latest book by the popular author is flying off the shelves.

Go like lightning

To sell very quickly

Example

The concert tickets went like lightning, they were all sold out within minutes.

Be in high demand

To be wanted or desired by many people

Example

The fashion brand's new collection is in high demand.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Sell like hot cakes” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Sell like hot cakes" is unknown.

Is “Sell like hot cakes” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Sell like hot cakes" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe products or items that are in high demand and selling quickly.

What tone does “Sell like hot cakes” have?

"Sell like hot cakes" conveys a tone of excitement and success. It suggests that something is highly desirable and sought after by many people.

Can “Sell like hot cakes” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "sell like hot cakes" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes the rapid and successful sale of a product. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as business meetings or presentations.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The new product is selling like hot cakes.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They're selling like "hot cakes"!' to imply the popularity and quick sale of a product.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

sell rapidly
sell quickly
sell in large quantities
be a bestseller
be highly sought after

Antonyms

sell slowly
have low demand
be unpopular
not sell well