cure-all
/'kjuər'ɔ:l/
Definition
- Noun:
- A hypothetical remedy for all illnesses or problems; a panacea: A "cure-all" is a substance or solution believed to be able to cure any disease or solve any difficulty. Historically, the concept was often pursued by alchemists.
Usage and Examples
- Noun:
- The salesman claimed his herbal tonic was a cure-all for everything from fatigue to arthritis.
- There is no single cure-all for the complex economic issues facing the country.
- In many folk tales, a magical spring is described as a cure-all.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "cure-all" as a metaphor: The term is frequently used metaphorically to criticize an oversimplified solution proposed for a complex set of problems.
- The new policy is being promoted as a cure-all, but experts warn it addresses only one symptom of a larger crisis.
Variants and Related Words
- Panacea (n): A direct synonym, often used in more formal or literary contexts.
- Technology is not a panacea for all educational challenges.
- Elixir (n): A magical or medicinal potion, historically sought by alchemists as a cure-all and for prolonging life.
- Universal remedy: A descriptive phrase with the same meaning.
Synonyms
- Panacea
- Universal cure
- Miracle drug (though this often implies a real, specific medicine)
- Sovereign remedy
Antonyms
- Placebo (a substance with no therapeutic effect)
- Palliative (something that relieves symptoms but does not cure)
Idioms and Common Phrases
- "There is no cure-all": A common phrase used to emphasize that simple, universal solutions do not exist for complex problems.
- We need a multi-faceted approach; there is no cure-all for social inequality.
Noun
-
hypothetical remedy for all ills or diseases; once sought by the alchemists
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