dash of flame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dash of flame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a small amount of fire or intensity, often in a metaphorical sense, such as in cooking or describing passion. Example: "The dish was enhanced with a dash of flame, giving it a unique and exciting flavor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"All girls cannot be perfect 36s, with bodies of mystic warmth and plastic marble effect, colored with rose and a dash of flame," she wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Fiery tongues of flame leaped from roof and windows along whole streets, and seemed to be making angry dashes at each other.

Huffington Post

Mix in the crawfish butter, lemon juice, and a dash of cayenne pepper and heat over medium flame.

WikiHow

The snow a sea of flame".

The New Yorker

Just a rage of flame".

BBC

This is the story of flame retardants".

BBC

Tone Death - 'Songs Of Flame'.

Vice

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are one of the major groups of flame retardants.

Environmental Science & Technology

Both Nanocor and Albemarle Corporation, one of the major flame retardant makers, sell flame retardants combining nanoclays with another major class of flame retardants based on metal hydroxides.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Dash of the 1970s.

The New York Times

A dash of M.C.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dash of flame" to add a vivid, evocative image to your writing, particularly when describing intense emotions, fiery flavors, or sudden bursts of energy. The phrase works best in contexts where a small but impactful addition is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "dash of flame" in strictly literal contexts (e.g., describing a small campfire). The phrase is most effective when used metaphorically or to add stylistic flair. Instead, opt for more descriptive and precise language in purely factual descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash of flame" functions primarily as a metaphorical expression, used to describe a small but impactful addition of intensity or passion. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English. This is evident in the example, where it describes a quality that enhances a performance.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dash of flame" is a grammatically sound but relatively rare phrase used to add vivid imagery and suggest a small amount of intensity or passion. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English, primarily in neutral contexts like news and media. To ensure effective use, it's best employed metaphorically and should be avoided in strictly literal descriptions. Alternatives such as "hint of fire" or "spark of intensity" can provide similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of fire

Replaces "flame" with "fire", suggesting a more general sense of heat or intensity, slightly altering the specific imagery.

touch of heat

Emphasizes the sensation of "heat" rather than the visual of "flame", changing the focus to the sensory experience.

spark of intensity

Shifts from a physical element to an abstract quality, highlighting the energetic aspect.

flicker of passion

Replaces "flame" with "passion", transforming the phrase into a metaphorical expression of strong emotion.

tinge of excitement

Suggests a slight amount of enthusiasm, reducing the intensity compared to "flame".

trace of ardor

Uses more formal vocabulary ("ardor") to convey a hint of intense feeling or passion, slightly elevating the register.

smidgen of fervor

Replaces "flame" with "fervor", implying a small amount of zealous enthusiasm.

iota of vehemence

Conveys a minimal amount of forceful energy. This option may change the original meaning.

whisper of conflagration

Juxtaposes "whisper" with "conflagration", creating contrast to imply a hint of something potentially destructive, altering the overall tone.

shade of incandescence

Uses more technical language ("incandescence") to represent the emission of light due to heat, making it more specific and less emotive.

FAQs

How can I use "dash of flame" in a sentence?

You can use "dash of flame" metaphorically to describe a small amount of intensity, passion, or excitement added to something. For example, "Her performance had a "dash of flame" that captivated the audience."

What's a good alternative to "dash of flame" that still conveys intensity?

Alternatives like "hint of fire" or "spark of intensity" can be used to express a similar concept while varying the imagery and tone.

Is "dash of flame" a common expression?

According to Ludwig, "dash of flame" is a relatively rare expression. While grammatically sound and understandable, it's not as frequently used as other similar phrases.

When is it appropriate to use "dash of flame" in writing?

It is most appropriate when you want to add a touch of vivid imagery to describe a small but noticeable amount of something intense or passionate, such as a flavor, emotion, or performance. It adds stylistic flair.