palate cleanser
A "palate cleanser" is used in both culinary contexts to refresh taste buds and metaphorically to describe a refreshing break.
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Definition
B2Culinary
(formal, neutral)A food or drink consumed to refresh the taste buds between different courses of a meal.
Example
- The chef served a lemon sorbet as a palate cleanser before the main course.
C1General
(figurative, informal)An activity or experience that provides a refreshing break from a series of similar or intense experiences.
Example
- Watching a comedy show was a perfect palate cleanser after a stressful day at work.