dash of spice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dash of spice" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe adding a small amount of something that enhances flavor or excitement, often in cooking or metaphorically in writing or conversation. Example: "To make the dish more interesting, add a dash of spice to the sauce."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A passerby's purse adds a dash of spice to Harvard Medical School marble.

Harvard University

The eggnog was a mix of mashed banana, powdered milk, water and a dash of spice.

The New York Times

Chocolate-Pumpkin Bread Pudding: This warm pumpkin bread pudding has a dash of spice and is studded with chocolate chips.

The New York Times

Whole fish, such as snapper, bass or any white firm-fleshed fish also benefit from a dash of spice.

The New York Times

Together with a generous dash of spice and small pinch of patience, I turn these into winter warmers that also teem with wonderful, fresh flavours.

The Guardian

It has the aromas of both fresh and baked apples in the bouquet, and an apple crispness along with a dash of spice in the flavor.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

It would be convenient if she had, since it adds a dash of sauce and spice to a story that is otherwise a bit vanilla.

The Guardian - Books

Hallstrom's camera lusts over the cracking of eggs and dashing of spices.

Huffington Post

So expect a dash of "Indian spice" along with dance interludes like "Chinese tea" and "chocolate from Spain".

The New York Times

The ODI series moved from here on Sunday to Chittagong on Wednesday for a decider with a dash of extra spice.

The Guardian - Sport

It appears most commonly in mysteries and thrillers — the perfect dash of exotic spice to liven up a visitor's investigation into some globe-spanning conspiracy.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dash of spice" to add an element of intrigue or excitement to writing, whether about food or more abstract topics. For example, "a dash of spice in the plot".

Common error

Avoid using "dash of spice" in highly formal or technical writing; opt for more precise language. For instance, use specific measurements rather than "a dash" in scientific reports.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash of spice" functions as a noun phrase, often used as an object of a verb or preposition. It describes a small quantity of spice added to enhance flavor or interest. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dash of spice" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a small addition that enhances flavor or interest. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While not exceedingly common, it effectively conveys the idea of a subtle enhancement. Related phrases include "hint of spice" and "touch of spice", offering similar nuances. It is best used to add intrigue or excitement, but should be avoided in highly formal or technical contexts. The frequent authoritative sources are The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hint of spice

Replaces "dash" with "hint", emphasizing a subtle presence of spice.

touch of spice

Substitutes "dash" with "touch", implying a delicate amount of spice.

pinch of spice

Uses "pinch" instead of "dash", indicating a very small quantity of spice.

smidgen of spice

Replaces "dash" with "smidgen", suggesting an extremely small amount of spice.

sprinkling of spice

Changes "dash" to "sprinkling", implying a scattered application of spice.

a subtle spiciness

Rephrases to focus on the quality of being subtly spicy, rather than the action of adding it.

a hint of zest

Expands the meaning to include zest, implying a more general enhancement or flavor.

a touch of intrigue

Shifts the context from literal spice to a metaphorical intrigue, implying an added element of interest.

a little kick

Suggests adding a "kick", focusing on the stimulating effect of the spice.

a nuance of flavor

Highlights the subtle and refined aspect of adding flavor.

FAQs

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

You can use "dash of spice" to describe adding a small amount of something to enhance flavor or excitement. For example: "To make the dish more interesting, add a "dash of spice" to the sauce."

What can I say instead of "dash of spice"?

You can use alternatives like "hint of spice", "touch of spice", or "pinch of spice" depending on the context.

Is "dash of spice" an idiom?

While "dash of spice" is not a formal idiom, it's a common metaphorical expression used to describe adding a small amount of something to make it more interesting or exciting. It's often used in cooking and writing.

What's the difference between "dash of spice" and "splash of spice"?

"Dash of spice" implies a smaller amount than "splash of spice". A dash is a very small quantity, whereas a splash suggests a slightly larger, more noticeable addition.