dash water

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dash water" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to a small amount of water added to a drink or recipe, but the expression is not standard. Example: "Please add a dash of water to the mixture to achieve the right consistency."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"We're just here for the weekend, shopping," one customer told a salesclerk, though she left without even a bottle of Dash water to show her friends back home.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"This probably dashes water on the idea of treating alcoholism with a single pill".

Vice

lemon, dash of water Porridge 1 cup porridge oats, 2 cups water or milk (or a mixture of the two), pinch of salt or brown sugar, 1 tbsp acacia or runny honey (optional) Make the apple purée by slicing the apples into a small saucepan and adding the lemon juice and a dash of water.

The Guardian - Books

Coconut milk, and a dash of water, seems the best option.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Stir in the butter, parmesan, mascarpone, and a dash more water if needed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Sprinkle 3 tablespoons of brown sugar over the fruit and a tiny dash of water.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add a dash of water and carry on cooking until the mixture darkens and caramelises.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A solid dash of water in this whiskey releases coils of heather and honey; settle in for an immensely gratifying wrestling match of a sipping session.

The New York Times

Heat the sugar for the caramel in a saucepan with a dash of water and boil to a dark reddish caramel.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For germination to begin from this resting state, all the seeds need is a kick start to their metabolism -- a dash of water and oxygen and a suitable temperature.

The New York Times

But my favorite so far might be just an ounce of it with a slug of gin and the juice from half a lemon, over cracked ice, topped with a long horse's neck twist of lemon peel and a dash of water.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When a precise measurement isn't critical, consider using "a splash of water" instead of "dash water" for better clarity and broader acceptance.

Common error

Avoid using "dash water" when a specific measurement is needed. The term is vague and can lead to inconsistencies in recipes or instructions. Use precise measurements like "tablespoon" or "milliliter" for accurate results.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dash water" functions primarily as a modifier describing a small amount of water. Ludwig AI considers the phrase grammatically questionable, which indicates it may not be suitable for all contexts. The phrase aims to indicate a quantity, but lacks precision.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dash water" is used to describe a small, inexact amount of water. While understandable in informal contexts, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically questionable. For clarity and precision, it's better to opt for alternatives like "splash of water" or more specific measurements. Its usage is infrequent, mostly appearing in news, lifestyle articles, and wikis. Therefore, avoid using "dash water" in formal writing, and consider clearer alternatives for better communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

splash of water

Replaces "dash" with "splash", suggesting a slightly larger, less precise amount of water.

drop of water

Substitutes "dash" with "drop", indicating a very small, almost negligible quantity of water.

a hint of water

Uses "hint" to imply a subtle presence of water, focusing on the subtle impact rather than the quantity.

a touch of water

Employs "touch" to suggest a minimal amount of water, emphasizing a gentle application.

a small amount of water

Replaces "dash" with a more explicit description of the quantity of water.

a trickle of water

Implies a very small, slow flow of water, replacing the idea of a quick "dash".

a trace of water

Suggests an extremely small quantity, almost undetectable, focusing on the minimal presence of water.

a bit of water

Offers a more general term for a small, unspecified amount of water.

a modicum of water

Emphasizes a very small or modest amount of water, adding a touch of formality.

water droplet

Focuses on the individual unit of water, a single drop, shifting the emphasis from a general quantity.

FAQs

What does "dash water" mean in a recipe?

In cooking, "dash water" refers to a very small, inexact amount of water, typically less than a teaspoon. Consider more precise measurements for consistent results.

What can I say instead of "dash water"?

You can use alternatives like "splash of water", "drop of water", or "a hint of water" depending on the context.

Is "dash water" grammatically correct?

While understandable in informal contexts, "dash water" is not considered standard grammatical English. It's better to use more explicit and commonly accepted phrasing for clarity.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "dash water"?

The phrase "dash water" is mostly appropriate in informal contexts such as casual recipes or personal notes where precision isn't essential. In formal writing or scientific contexts, use more specific measurements.