cure-all

American  

[kyoor-awl] / ˈkyʊərˌɔl /

noun

1. a remedy for all diseases, ills, or difficulties; panacea.

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cure-all British  

noun

1. something reputed to cure all ailments

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Etymology

Origin of cure-all

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

The term derives from the white crystalline powder used in cleaning, soldering, glass making and in pesticides, which in centuries past was sold as a cure-all.

From The Wall Street Journal

But they also aren’t a cure-all, even if they can serve an important purpose for getting through challenging times in life.

From The Wall Street Journal

The series’ writers go to admirable lengths to explain why a cure-all mushroom could be potentially hazardous to our world.

From Salon

It was the cure-all for every economic pain that ailed us.

From Salon

Like any fire prevention measure, private hydrants are not a cure-all, especially in the extreme conditions faced by firefighters during the first days of the Palisades and Eaton fires.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• elixir
• magic bullet