Let them eat cake

Cultural

A saying that shows insensitivity to or incomprehension of the realities of life for the unfortunate. Rousseau, in his Confessions, tells of a great princess who, on being informed that the country people had no bread, replied, “Let them eat cake.” This statement is often, and incorrectly, attributed to Marie Antoinette.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

According to folklore, when she was told the poor were running out of bread, she responded: "Let them eat cake".

From Barron's • May 1, 2026

Let them eat cake – and oysters, and chocolate, and chili peppers – this holiday season with gifts for those who appreciate fine food and drink.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2023

Let them eat cake, and let them hire jury consultants.

From Washington Post • Nov. 21, 2021

Now noblesse oblige, now "Let them eat cake."

From Salon • Mar. 13, 2021

It will also utterly do away with many of her prejudices against the foreigner and it will make the "Let them eat cake" attitude impossible.

From New Faces by Neagle, Charles F.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023