llevarse la palma: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  Spaininformalcolloquial
  • To be the most outstanding or striking example of something, often implying that it is the most extreme or remarkable (frequently with a negative or ironic tone).
  • To 'take the cake' or 'steal the show' as the most notable instance among several others.

  Examples

  Beta

  • De todos los errores cometidos, el suyo se llevó la palma por ser el más grave.

    Of all the mistakes made, his was the most outstanding for being the most serious.

  • En la reunión, la idea absurda de Juan se llevó la palma y todos se quedaron sorprendidos.

    In the meeting, Juan's absurd idea took the cake and everyone was surprised.

  • Cada vez que escucho sus excusas, me parece que se lleva la palma en creatividad para mentir.

    Every time I hear his excuses, I think he takes the cake in creativity for lying.

• 2.

  SpainLatin America (less common)informal
  • To win a prize or to be awarded first place in a contest.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Laura se llevó la palma en el concurso de pintura con su obra única.

    Laura won first place in the painting contest with her unique work.

  • ¿Quién se llevó la palma en el torneo de ajedrez? Me dijeron que fue David.

    Who took first place in the chess tournament? I heard it was David.

  • Aunque hubo mucha competencia, Ana se llevó la palma gracias a su gran talento.

    Although there was a lot of competition, Ana won the prize thanks to her great talent.