magic bullet

noun

1. something that cures or remedies without causing harmful side effects:

   So far there is no magic bullet for economic woes.

magic bullet

noun

1. informal.
   any therapeutic agent, esp one in the early stages of development, reputed to be very effective in treating a condition, such as a malignant tumour, by specifically targeting the diseased tissue

Word History and Origins

Origin of magic bullet¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The guarantee of a strong education for every child is the magic bullet, and the administration is working toward that goal.

From The Daily Beast

That would be a magic bullet for a country that has no real electric grid.

From The Daily Beast

Remember, aspirin is not a magic bullet for preventing a heart attack or stroke, as much as we wish it was.

From The Daily Beast

Thinking he would be the “magic bullet” to kill the law, Johnson outed himself to his commander in 2003.

From The Daily Beast

In Strassburg at a shooting competition Faust's magic bullet strikes Mephisto, who 'yells out again and again' in pain.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• panacea
• wonder drug