like hot cakes, go

Also, sell like hot cakes. Be a great commercial success, as in I’m sure this new line of coats will go like hot cakes, or She was thrilled that her new book was selling like hot cakes. This term alludes to hot cakes, another name for griddle cakes or pancakes, which are so popular at church sales, food fairs, and similar events that they tend to sell as quickly as they are cooked. [Mid-1800s]