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

But it’s the creation of Benji that proves the film’s secret sauce; he’s one of the most vivid and compelling characters you’ll see onscreen this year.

From Los Angeles Times

Further back is the three-tier composting system set up by Farmscape, which Angel says is the “secret sauce” to her garden’s success.

From Los Angeles Times

Christopher Walken’s commitment is really the secret sauce.

From Los Angeles Times

Headlines promising the secret sauce on how Harris could win or should comport herself were plentiful.

From Salon

You see it never being in our hands, but you can’t remove us completely because we are the secret sauce in every stage of its development and evolution.

From Los Angeles Times