thuốc tiên
Definition
- Noun:
- Miracle cure / wonder drug: A legendary or mythical medicine believed to have the power to cure all diseases, grant immortality, or produce miraculous effects. Often refers to an idealized, perfect remedy that does not exist in reality.
- Panacea: A figurative term for a solution or remedy that is believed to solve all problems or difficulties completely.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Ông già vẫn đi tìm thuốc tiên. (The old man is still searching for a miracle cure.)
- Trong truyện cổ tích, thuốc tiên có thể cải tử hoàn sinh. (In fairy tales, the wonder drug can bring the dead back to life.)
- Đừng mơ tưởng đến một thứ thuốc tiên cho mọi vấn đề. (Don't dream of a panacea for all problems.)
Advanced Usage
- Used metaphorically to describe a highly effective solution, often with a hint of skepticism about its existence.
- Chính sách mới không phải là thứ thuốc tiên cho nền kinh tế. (The new policy is not a miracle cure for the economy.)
Variants and Related Words
- Tiên dược (n): A more literary or classical term with the same meaning as "thuốc tiên" (elixir, miracle drug).
Synonyms
- Panacea: A solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases.
- Elixir: A magical or medicinal potion, especially one believed to prolong life.
- Cure-all: A remedy that is claimed to cure all ailments.
Related Idioms
- Thuốc tiên thang thánh: Literally "immortal's medicine and sage's decoction"; emphasizes a legendary, supremely effective remedy.
- Bệnh này nặng, thuốc tiên thang thánh cũng khó cứu. (This illness is severe; even a divine elixir would find it hard to cure.)