A very simple use for a dash is to expand on a point by giving an example.
In this snippet, Bashi gives an example of what her parents think would be a distraction.
My parents were anxious to put me in a good school with no distractions—like boys.
My parents were anxious to give me a healthy dinner—like steamed broccoli.
My parents were keen to see me go somewhere far from home—like Canada.
My enemies were eager to kill me with methods that could not be detected—such as radioactive toothpaste.
