dash
dash — verb
1. to move from one place to another very quickly, usually because you are in a hur
to move from one place to another very quickly, usually because you are in a hurry or need to do something urgently.
Lara dashed across the playground when the bell rang for lunch.
dash + across [place] for urgent movement
Selim heard the thunder and dashed inside before the rain started.
dash + inside/outside for shelter
The cat dashed under the sofa when the doorbell rang.
Mira dashed to the station but still missed her train by one minute.
dash + to [destination]
Baraka dashed out of the room right after the meeting to take a call.
- dash across
- dash into
- dash out of
- dash to
- amble
walk slowly without urgency
Grammar Patterns
dash + adverb/preposition (across/into/out of/through)
Usage Note
Frequently followed by a direction word (across, into, out of, through, to) that tells where the movement goes. Unlike 'run,' dash always suggests a sense of urgency or purpose.
Common Mistakes
2. to hit or knock an object violently, frequently resulting in damage or breakage.
to hit or knock an object violently, frequently resulting in damage or breakage.
Waves dashed against the rocks during the storm, sending spray into the air.
dash + against [surface] for forceful impact
Christopher accidentally dashed the glass vase against the table and it shattered.
dash + object + against [surface]
The old wooden boat was dashed to pieces on the sharp coral reef.
passive: be dashed to pieces
A wave dashed a pile of shells onto the beach during the high tide.
- dash against
- dash into
- dash to pieces
- dashed on the rocks
- tap
light, gentle contact
Grammar Patterns
dash + object + against/into + something
be dashed against/into
Usage Note
Common in literary or descriptive writing about weather and nature ('waves dashed,' 'rain dashed against'). The passive form 'be dashed against/into' is frequent when describing destruction of objects.
Common Mistakes
3. to completely destroy or ruin someone's hopes, plans, or confidence, making them
to completely destroy or ruin someone's hopes, plans, or confidence, making them feel disappointed.
The injury dashed all hopes of Eri becoming a professional dancer.
dash + all hopes of + [goal]
Bad weather dashed their plans for an outdoor wedding ceremony.
dash + [someone's] plans
News of the budget cuts dashed the team's hopes for new laboratory equipment.
Joaquín's dream of studying abroad was dashed when his visa application was rejected.
passive: [dream] + was dashed
- dash hopes
- dash dreams
- dash plans
- hopes dashed
- fulfil
make a dream or hope come true
Grammar Patterns
dash + someone's + hopes/dreams/plans
dash + all hope of + noun/gerund
Usage Note
Object is always an abstract noun or noun phrase (hopes, dreams, plans, spirits, confidence). Frequently used in the passive voice. Distinguish from verb sense 1 (GO QUICKLY) by the abstract object — you cannot dash hopes across a room.
Common Mistakes
4. to add a small quantity of a liquid or powder to food or drink, usually to impro
to add a small quantity of a liquid or powder to food or drink, usually to improve its flavour.
Gita dashed a little soy sauce into the soup for extra flavour.
dash + [ingredient] + into [food]
Trang dashed some lemon juice over the grilled fish before serving it.
The recipe says to dash a pinch of salt into the egg mixture.
dash + a pinch of [ingredient]
Alessia dashed a splash of milk into her coffee and stirred it slowly.
- dash into
- dash over
- dash with
Grammar Patterns
dash + noun + into/over + food/drink
Usage Note
Primarily used in cooking contexts. The amount is always small and imprecise — unlike 'pour' or 'add,' which can be any quantity. The object is typically a small countable amount (a dash, a splash, a pinch) rather than a measured unit.
dash off
phrasal verbto write or draw something quickly without taking much time or care.
Selim dashed off a quick thank-you note to his grandmother before leaving for school.
The artist dashed off a sketch of the harbour in just a few minutes.
dash away
phrasal verbto leave a place very quickly and suddenly.
Lara dashed away when she saw the ice cream truck turning the corner.
The rabbit dashed away into the bushes as soon as it heard the dog bark.
dash someone's hopes
idiomto destroy someone's expectation that something good will happen, making them feel deeply disappointed.
The cancelled trip dashed the children's hopes of visiting the beach for the first time.
Losing her scholarship dashed Mira's hopes of attending university abroad.
cut a dash
idiomto look stylish and attractive in the clothes you are wearing, especially in a way that draws attention.
In her elegant evening dress, Alessia cut quite a dash at the charity gala.
Christopher cut a dash in his sharp navy suit and polished leather shoes.
cut and dash
idiomto leave a place quickly and suddenly, especially to avoid paying a bill or to escape a situation.
The teenagers ordered a large meal and then cut and dashed when the waiter was not looking.
Realising he had forgotten his wallet, Joaquín had to cut and dash from the restaurant.
dash — noun
1. a sudden, quick movement from one place to another, usually to reach somewhere o
a sudden, quick movement from one place to another, usually to reach somewhere or escape something.
When the rain started, Eri made a dash for the nearest shop doorway.
make a dash for [place/shelter]
Jisoo made a dash to the post office before it closed at five o'clock.
make a dash to [destination]
There was a sudden dash for the exit when the fire alarm went off.
The goalkeeper made a desperate dash to stop the ball from crossing the line.
- make a dash
- dash for
- sudden dash
- desperate dash
Grammar Patterns
make a dash for [place]
a dash to [place]
Usage Note
Almost always follows 'make a dash' when describing a person's movement. The preposition 'for' indicates a destination or goal; 'to' indicates a place. The expression is also common in sports for a short burst of speed.
Common Mistakes
2. a competition in which runners cover a brief distance, usually 100 or 200 metres
a competition in which runners cover a brief distance, usually 100 or 200 metres, at maximum speed.
Lara won the 100-metre dash at the school sports day with a new record.
[distance]-metre dash — race format
The relay dash requires four runners to pass a baton between them.
Baraka trained for months to improve his time in the 200-metre dash.
The Olympic 100-metre dash is one of the most-watched events in athletics.
the Olympic [distance]-metre dash
- 100-metre dash
- win the dash
- dash event
- marathon
a long-distance race of 42 kilometres
Grammar Patterns
[number]-metre dash
the 100-metre dash
Usage Note
Almost always used with a specific distance (100-metre dash, 200-metre dash). In athletics events, 'dash' is the standard term for short sprints. Distinguish from noun sense 1 (QUICK RUN) by the competitive context.
Common Mistakes
3. a long horizontal mark (— or –) that writers place between words or clauses to i
a long horizontal mark (— or –) that writers place between words or clauses to indicate a pause, add a comment, or set off a new thought.
Use a dash — like this — to add extra information in the middle of a sentence.
dash — ... — for parenthetical information
The writer used dashes instead of brackets throughout the article for a more natural flow.
A dash can show a sudden change of thought in the middle of a sentence.
dash for sudden change of thought
In typing, an em dash is longer than a hyphen and has different uses.
- em dash
- en dash
- separated by a dash
- hyphen
shorter line (-) used to join words, not separate clauses
Grammar Patterns
use a dash
separated by a dash
Usage Note
Do not confuse with 'hyphen' (-), which is shorter. The em dash (—) is used for breaks in thought; the en dash (–) is used for number ranges. In informal writing, some people type two hyphens (--) instead of a dash.
Common Mistakes
4. in Morse code, the extended signal — a longer beep or flash — that combines with
in Morse code, the extended signal — a longer beep or flash — that combines with shorter dots to spell letters and words.
In Morse code, a dash lasts three times longer than a dot does.
dash vs dot duration in Morse code
The sailor sent a message with dots and dashes on his radio.
dots and dashes — Morse code signals
Baraka learned to recognise the different patterns of dots and dashes in Morse code messages.
The emergency signal SOS is three dots, three dashes, and three dots.
- dots and dashes
- long dash
- dash signal
- dot
the shorter signal in Morse code
Grammar Patterns
dots and dashes
Usage Note
Almost always occurs as part of the pair 'dots and dashes.' This sense is specialised and limited to Morse code contexts; most learners will encounter it in history or amateur radio lessons.
5. a tiny, roughly measured quantity of an ingredient that gives flavour to a dish
a tiny, roughly measured quantity of an ingredient that gives flavour to a dish or drink, or a small quality added to something abstract to make it more interesting.
Add a dash of cinnamon to the cake mixture for a warm, sweet taste.
a dash of [spice/ingredient] in cooking
Selim likes his coffee with just a dash of milk and no sugar at all.
A dash of lemon juice brightens the flavour of any grilled fish dish.
a dash of [liquid]
Her speech had a dash of humour that kept the audience entertained throughout.
figurative: a dash of [abstract quality]
- a dash of
- dash of milk
- dash of lemon
- dash of humour
- load
a large, vague amount
Grammar Patterns
a dash of [ingredient/flavour/quality]
Usage Note
Can be used literally (cooking, drinks) or figuratively (a dash of humour, a dash of colour). In recipes, a 'dash' is sometimes loosely defined as about 1/8 of a teaspoon, but it is not a precise measurement. Distinguish from verb sense 4 (ADD SMALL AMOUNT), where the verb describes the action of adding; here the noun is the amount itself.
Common Mistakes
6. a combination of stylish appearance, energetic confidence, and natural charm in
a combination of stylish appearance, energetic confidence, and natural charm in the way a person behaves or presents themselves.
Mira always dresses with dash and confidence, even on casual Fridays.
with dash — manner adverb
The young designer showed real dash in her bold first fashion collection.
Christopher walked into the room with great dash and charmed everyone he met.
Her bold use of colour gives the paintings a sense of dash and creative energy.
sense of dash — applied to creative work
- with dash
- real dash
- great dash
- awkwardness
lack of grace or confidence
Grammar Patterns
with dash
have dash
Usage Note
Fairly formal or literary. Often paired with synonyms in lists ('dash and confidence,' 'dash and charm'). The related idiom 'cut a dash' (see idioms above) is more common in everyday British English for the same meaning of stylish appearance.
7. the flat surface inside a vehicle, situated behind the steering wheel, that hold
the flat surface inside a vehicle, situated behind the steering wheel, that holds the speedometer, controls, and other driving instruments.
Selim glanced at the dash to check how much fuel was left in the tank.
check the dash for information
A red warning light appeared on the car's dash during the long drive.
Trang left her sunglasses on the dash while she went into the shop.
on the dash — physical location
The speedometer on the dash showed they were driving well over the speed limit.
- on the dash
- car dash
- dash light
- dash warning
- dashboard
the full, formal term; always appropriate
Grammar Patterns
on the dash
the car's dash
Usage Note
Shortened form of 'dashboard.' Very common in informal spoken English when referring to car interiors. The full word 'dashboard' is preferred in formal or written automotive contexts.
cut a dash
idiomTo look very stylish and noticeable in the clothes you are wearing.
Maya cut a dash in her red evening gown at the party.
Did you see how Brian cut a dash in his new suit?
dash — exclamation
1. a mild expression of annoyance, frustration, or disappointment, similar to 'damn
a mild expression of annoyance, frustration, or disappointment, similar to 'damn' but much less offensive.
Dash it! I left my keys on the kitchen table and locked myself out.
Dash it! — set phrase for frustration
Oh dash! The cake has burned in the oven while I was on the phone.
Dash it all! I have missed the last train home by two minutes.
Dash it all! — stronger variant
Dash it! My phone battery died just as I needed to call a taxi.
Grammar Patterns
Dash it!
Oh dash!
Dash it all!
Usage Note
Now considered old-fashioned and slightly quaint. Most commonly used by older British speakers or in historical fiction. Younger speakers typically use stronger or more modern expressions. Do not use in formal writing.
Word family
- dashernounC2
- dashingadjectiveC1
- dashinglyadverbC2
Synonym discussion
Sense: noun/1
All four words describe fast movement, but they differ in distance, formality, and context. A 'dash' (noun) is a short, urgent movement toward a specific destination — you make a dash for shelter from the rain. A 'sprint' is a run at maximum speed over a short, measured distance, most common in athletics ('a 100-metre sprint'). 'Rush' is the broadest term: it can describe any hurried activity, not just physical movement ('the morning rush,' 'a rush to finish a report'). 'Bolt' suggests sudden, panicked movement, often due to fear — like a horse bolting from a fire. In everyday speech, 'make a dash for it' is a fixed expression for running to safety, while 'sprint' is the standard word for competitive running. Use 'rush' when the speed comes from time pressure rather than distance.
Common collocations
Phrases
- make a dash
- a dash of
- dots and dashes
- cut a dash
Etymology
The word 'dash' comes from Middle English 'daschen,' probably from a Scandinavian source such as Old Swedish 'daska' meaning 'to strike' or 'to beat.' The original meaning was about forceful hitting (still preserved in verb sense 2: waves dashing against rocks). By the 1300s, it had developed the sense of moving quickly — perhaps from the idea of being 'struck' into sudden motion. The noun senses for a small amount (a dash of salt) and for style (cut a dash) emerged later in the 18th and 19th centuries, as speakers extended the idea of a quick, striking movement to other areas of life.