secret sauce

[see-krit saws]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of secret sauce¹

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

Example Sentences

Radiohead's secret sauce has always been their rhythm section - who manage to locate sinewy, danceable grooves even when presented with their bandmate's most challenging material.

Read more on BBC

Deregulation and tax reform were the secret sauce to his first-term’s economic success that helped him win re-election.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The secret sauce is people who can talk about their experience and what they are thinking and feeling,” says Chad Patterson, an independent casting director who has worked for shows on HGTV.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Is there a ”secret sauce” to that ”meat”?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Less clear are the particulars around control of TikTok’s proprietary algorithm, the secret sauce that’s core to its value.

Read more on Slate