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

She leans into the culinary metaphor when asked about her secret sauce.

From Los Angeles Times

After years of policymaking and parenting, I agree that there’s no “secret sauce” to raising a family.

From The Wall Street Journal

The so-called secret sauce in TikTok's rapid expansion has been its innovative recommendation algorithm.

From Barron's

“The secret sauce is, ‘Do you have, for your company, data?’

From The Wall Street Journal

“Predictability is part of the secret sauce of having a good central bank,” says Carroll.

From Barron's