secret sauce

American  

[see-krit saws] / ˈsi krɪt ˈsɔs /

noun

1. a secret element, strategy, procedure, etc., that accounts for or increases the chances of success.

   The app's secret sauce is its simple interface.

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Etymology

Origin of secret sauce

From a so-called sauce for hamburgers whose ingredients are a closely held secret

Example Sentences

This must be part of the secret sauce — Wyatt’s dedication and consistency.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Whereas big events can be "hidden" in a huge city like London, she says, the "fun secret sauce" that Manchester brings - including art trails and pop star tram announcements - "really came out".

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Your secret sauce involved a plate full of fish.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 19, 2026

The secret sauce to making chips is the process and the people, not the buildings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

“A key ingredient in the U.S. economy’s secret sauce is that we attract the best and the brightest from all over the world to come here to work,” he said.

From Barron's • Jan. 15, 2026