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a nice touch

a nice touch

46 3.0
A small extra detail that makes something look or feel better
  • idiom
translation icon : toque
  • Adding candles to the dinner table was a nice touch for the romantic atmosphere.

Although I'm not I I could do with or without the lime, but the pomegranate seeds, it's a nice touch.

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Examples

Synonyms

finishing touch
vsa nice touch
24 3.4

A last small detail that makes something look or feel complete

is any enhancing detail and does not need to be the final one
touch-up
vsa nice touch
8 3.9

A small repair to make something look better

is about boosting appeal rather than fixing damage
special touch
vsa nice touch
2 3.8

A small extra detail that makes something feel nicer

refers to enhancement generally without requiring uniqueness
decorative element
vsa nice touch
1 3.7

A small object or pattern people add to make something look nicer

can improve appeal in many ways not just appearance
touch of elegance
vsa nice touch
1 3.8

A small detail that makes something look beautiful and special

is more general adding any detail that makes something more attractive
cheerful touch
vsa nice touch
3.8

A small detail that makes something look brighter and happier

is neutral about mood and focuses on general attractiveness

How Nice

a nice touch
46 3.0
minor detail
6 3.2

Surface Forms

a nice touch singular

Morphology

a + nice + touch

The meaning 'an element or detail that improves something' is directly derivable from 'nice' (pleasant) plus 'touch' (a small or subtle addition/quality), so a learner who knows both words can infer a pleasing detail that enhances something. This adjective+noun composition and the common metaphorical use of 'touch' to mean a small addition is frequent and transparent, making it accessible to a B1 learner.

Etymology

A nice touch may come from painters or cooks who add one small final move, like a last brush stroke or a sprinkle of spice. That little touch makes the whole thing better, so today a nice touch means 'a small detail that improves something'.