a little dab'll do ya

a little dab'll do ya

A small amount of something, especially a paste, cream, ointment, etc., will be enough to serve your purpose. Originally part of an advertising slogan for Brylcreem, a hair styling product for men. In the 1950s. Primarily heard in US. This is a very powerful anti-inflammatory cream—a little dab'll do ya. Now, a little dab'll do ya with this chili paste, as you don't want to overpower the other flavors in the curry.

See also: little, YA

a little dab'll do ya

or

a little dab will do you

AMERICAN, INFORMAL

People say a little dab'll do ya or a little dab will do you to mean that a small amount of something is enough. The thing to remember about cooking with shrimp paste is that a little dab will do ya. Note: This expression was originally an advertising slogan for hair cream in the 1960s.

See also: little, YA