a dash of cold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dash of cold" is not correct in standard English usage.
It may be intended to describe a small amount of something cold, but it is not a common expression. Example: "For the cocktail, add a dash of cold water to balance the flavors."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

To make garlic and anchovy sauce, cover garlic with 300ml milk and add a dash of cold water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With comic efficiency, Pinto throws a dash of cold water on the mind-set of simple test answers and obvious questions.

The New York Times

But a dash of cold water was thrown by Dr. Stanley L. Miller of the University of California at San Diego, a leading advocate of the view that life evolved at temperatures similar to those of today.

The New York Times

A few pages into this book, I wondered if in these days of global style and aging-is-a-state-of-mind, the chic, middle-aged French school uniform with a dash of cold cream look is still relevant.

The Guardian - Opinion

One of the many meanings of the onomatopoeic noun dash has to do with the transmission of liquid: a small squirt of Angostura in your juice is "a dash of bitters," and a heavier, awakening inundation from a bucket into your face is "a dash of cold water".

The New York Times - Magazine

Such pillar companies are critical to the Silicon Valley Start-up Common -- and a dash of cold weather doesn't hurt either.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

There is yogurt with fresh fruit and a sprinkling of Grape Nuts on top for crunch; sliced strawberries and fat-reduced ricotta with a dash of cinnamon, cold cereal, skim milk, a sliced banana and a few raisins, crunchy peanut butter and apple slices on rice cakes, low-fat Cheddar cheese with whole-grain crackers, low-fat cream cheese and jelly on toasted raisin bread.

Los Angeles Times

And he reminds us that there's more variation within states than between states, an important dash of cold water on those who are prone to celebrate Massachusetts and put down Mississippi.

Huffington Post

Macchiato – espresso with a dash of hot or cold milk.

BBC

PAGE B1 DASH OF COLD WATER The modest sales of cold-water laundry detergents suggest that skeptical consumers are more concerned about getting the clothes clean than being green.

The New York Times

This one, "Cold," with a dash of Caribbean rhythm, was easily the most up-tempo and jarring moment of the night, even more so because it seemed to stop about two-thirds of the way through.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to adding a small amount of a cold liquid, consider using clearer and more common phrases like "a splash of cold water" or "a hint of cold milk" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a dash of cold" when you intend to convey a small amount of something refreshing. This phrase often sounds awkward; instead, clarify what is causing the coldness and use more specific and conventional language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dash of cold" functions primarily as a noun phrase, attempting to describe a small quantity or element of coldness. Ludwig AI points out that this construction is not standard English, suggesting that it's not grammatically solid.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "a dash of cold" appears in some contexts, it is generally considered non-standard English. Ludwig AI emphasizes its lack of grammatical correctness and suggests opting for clearer alternatives like "a splash of cold water" or specifying the source of the coldness. The phrase is most frequently found in news and lifestyle articles but may be unsuitable for more formal or scientific writing due to its potential ambiguity. Remember to prioritize clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a splash of cold

Replaces "dash" with "splash", implying a slightly larger amount of cold liquid.

a hint of cold

Substitutes "dash" with "hint", suggesting a subtle presence of coldness, not necessarily liquid.

a touch of coldness

Replaces "dash of cold" with "touch of coldness", focusing on the sensation rather than a physical substance.

a bit of cold

Uses "bit" instead of "dash", providing a more general term for a small quantity of coldness.

a drop of cold

Specifies "drop" instead of "dash", emphasizing a very small amount of cold liquid.

a sprinkle of cold

Suggests a scattering of something cold, similar to a light shower.

a whiff of cold air

Specifies that the cold is coming from air, not necessarily liquid.

a wave of cold

Implies a sudden rush or feeling of coldness.

a slight chill

Focuses on the resulting sensation of coldness rather than a quantity of something.

a cool addition

Highlights the cooling effect of adding something to a mixture.

FAQs

Is "a dash of cold" grammatically correct?

While the phrase "a dash of cold" appears in some contexts, it's not considered standard English. It's more common and clearer to specify what's causing the coldness, such as "a splash of cold water".

What can I say instead of "a dash of cold"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "a splash of cold", "a hint of coldness", or specify the liquid, such as "a dash of cold water".

Which is correct, "a dash of cold" or "a dash of cold water"?

"A dash of cold water" is more grammatically sound and commonly used. "A dash of cold" is vague; specifying "water" makes the meaning clearer and more natural.

What's the difference between "a dash of cold" and "a touch of coldness"?

"A dash of cold" implies adding a small amount of something cold, while "a touch of coldness" refers to the sensation of being cold. The latter focuses on the feeling rather than the substance.