hint of chilli

USAGE SUMMARY

"hint of chilli" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe when something has just a slight amount of chilli flavor or heat added to it. For example: This dish is flavorful and has just a hint of chilli to give it a little extra kick.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

I'm expecting a hint of chilli or yuzu, perhaps.

The Guardian

Sometimes a hint of chilli goes in, too, as with the aubergine recipe, below.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fresh, vibrant tomatoes with a gentle hint of chilli, coriander and lime.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here, I've cooked them with olives, sherry, tomatoes, cinnamon and a hint of chilli, a typically heady east Mexican combo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Socialeatinghouse.com A hint of chilli is sometimes found in southern Italian dishes such as this, but it should not overpower.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It's all worth it, though, as the light hint of chilli in the bread and the hearty ingredients inside give the dish the same satisfying, belly-filling pleasure that comes with a good bowl of thick stew.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The aniseedy juices weep into a thin, lamb broth, the flavours in perfect harmony with hints of chilli and creamy piquillo peppers.

The Times

Season with salt and a pinch of chilli flakes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Buy now 3. Heir & Grace Orange & Chilli: £36 for 200g, heirandgrace.co.uk Hand-poured in Windsor, this luxe candle is a mix of rich, natural oils and wax to give subtle black pepper undertones and hints of spicy chilli that bring warmth to zingy orange zest and cassis.

Independent

While Emmanuela herself has retired from the kitchen – replaced by various children and eager in-laws, she still maintains tasting rights over her signature spaghetti all'Emmanuela – fresh rock-caught shellfish tossed in a tomato sauce that, as with most sauces in Italy's south, betrays a hint of piquant peperoncino (chilli).

The Guardian - Travel

Food was on the agenda at the Italian's press conference again this week, when it was pointed out to Ranieri that a local butcher had named a sausage – containing fennel, garlic, chilli and "a hint of Champions League" – after the Leicester manager.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "hint of chilli" to suggest a subtle, rather than overpowering, spicy flavour. It evokes a sense of delicate balance in the dish.

Common error

Avoid using "hint of chilli" if the dish is noticeably spicy. Instead, opt for phrases like "chilli-forward" or "spicy" to accurately reflect the flavour profile.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hint of chilli" functions as a modifier, specifically describing the flavour profile of a dish or product. It suggests a subtle presence of chilli. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is a usable way to describe when something has just a slight amount of chilli flavor.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Lifestyle

43%

Travel

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "hint of chilli" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a subtle chilli flavour in food or other products. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates a slight presence of chilli, offering a nuanced description without implying an overpowering spice. With examples primarily found in News & Media and Lifestyle contexts, this phrase is versatile and suitable for conveying delicate flavour profiles. While uncommon, its usage is appropriate when precision in describing subtle tastes is needed. To prevent misrepresentation, avoid using it when the chilli flavour is prominent, opting for stronger descriptors instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touch of chilli

Replaces "hint" with "touch", emphasizing a light presence.

dash of chilli

Substitutes "hint" with "dash", implying a small quantity.

smidgen of chilli

Uses "smidgen" instead of "hint", indicating an even smaller amount.

trace of chilli

Replaces "hint" with "trace", suggesting a barely perceptible presence.

whisper of chilli

Employs "whisper" for "hint", conveying a very subtle and delicate flavour.

light chilli flavour

Describes the flavour directly, replacing "hint of" with "light".

subtle chilli note

Uses "note" instead of "hint", focusing on the flavour profile.

delicate chilli touch

Combines "delicate" with "touch", enhancing the subtlety.

undertone of chilli

Indicates chilli as a background flavour.

suggestion of chilli

Replaces "hint" with "suggestion", implying a more indirect or subtle presence.

FAQs

How can I describe a subtle chilli flavor?

Use phrases like "hint of chilli", "touch of chilli", or "whisper of chilli" to indicate a mild chilli presence.

What does "hint of chilli" imply about a dish?

It suggests that the dish has a slight chilli flavor, adding a subtle warmth or spice without being overpowering.

Is "hint of chilli" appropriate for desserts?

Yes, if the dessert contains a small amount of chilli to enhance other flavors, such as chocolate. It can add complexity.

What's the difference between "hint of chilli" and "chilli flavor"?

"Hint of chilli" implies a subtle presence, while "chilli flavor" can indicate a more pronounced taste.