stopgap

/'stɔpgæp/
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Thân thiện
stopgap

The city used a temporary stopgap to repair the damaged bridge.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A temporary substitute or expedient: Something used to meet an immediate, urgent need or to fill a temporary shortage until a proper or permanent solution can be found.
Usage
  • The word "stopgap" functions as a noun. It describes a person, measure, or object that serves as a temporary solution to a problem or fills a role for a limited time.
  • It is often used to describe solutions that are not ideal or permanent but are necessary to prevent a worse situation in the short term.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • The old generator is just a stopgap until the new power plant is built.
    • They hired a temporary worker as a stopgap while they searched for a permanent manager.
    • This policy is merely a stopgap measure to address the immediate crisis.
Advanced Usage
  • "Act as a stopgap": To serve as a temporary solution.
    • The emergency fund acted as a stopgap until the insurance payment arrived.
  • "Stopgap solution": A common collocation emphasizing the temporary nature of the fix.
    • We need a long-term plan, not just another stopgap solution.
Variants and Related Words
  • Makeshift (noun/adj): A temporary and often crude substitute.
    • They built a makeshift shelter from branches.
  • Interim (adj/noun): Intended to last for an intermediate period; a temporary arrangement.
    • She was appointed as the interim director.
  • Provisional (adj): Arranged or existing for the present, possibly to be changed later.
    • A provisional government was established.
Synonyms
  • Temporary measure
  • Makeshift
  • Expedient
  • Interim solution
  • Band-Aid solution (informal, implying a superficial fix)
Antonyms
  • Permanent solution
  • Long-term fix
  • Final answer
Related Phrases and Idioms
  • "A stopgap measure": This is the most common phrase using "stopgap." It explicitly labels an action or policy as temporary.
    • The tax cut was a stopgap measure to stimulate the economy.
  • "To plug the gap": An idiom meaning to provide a temporary solution for a deficiency. While not containing the word "stopgap," it conveys a similar idea.
    • The new hire will plug the gap in our team until the project is complete.
stopgap

The city used a temporary stopgap to repair the damaged bridge.

Noun
  1. something contrived to meet an urgent need or emergency

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