magic bullet

American  

noun

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

   So far there is no magic bullet for economic woes.

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magic bullet British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of magic bullet

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

I don’t have a single magic bullet for addressing the homeless problem.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2025

“There’s no magic bullet to make up for lost time,” said Rob Williams, managing director and head of wealth-management research at Charles Schwab.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 15, 2025

Mick Ryan, former Australian major general and now fellow of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says deep strikes are not a magic bullet.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2025

It’s not a magic bullet, but it can be a lifeline.

From Slate • Aug. 16, 2024

The discovery returned Lawrence to a round-the-clock schedule at the Rad Lab, supervising the bombardment of dozens of elements with his magic bullet.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

Related Words

• panacea
• wonder drug