Considered a core principle, value, belief, belief, characteristic, aspect, etc., of the United States of America or its citizens. Sometimes used sarcastically or ironically. A: "I've never really liked baseball." B: "Really? But it's as American as motherhood and apple pie!" It doesn't surprise me at all that their tax overhaul would turn out this ridiculous—after all, convoluted taxes are as American as motherhood and apple pie.