silver bullet

American  

noun

1. a quick solution to a difficult problem.

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Etymology

Origin of silver bullet

First recorded in 1930–35; from the belief that supernatural beings, as werewolves, can be killed with a silver bullet

Example Sentences

None of these reforms would be a silver bullet against revenge prosecutions, but together they would make such abuses far harder to carry out.

From Slate • May 1, 2026

“It’s not a silver bullet but several pieces of silver buckshot,” said John Entsminger, general manager of the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

The head of Europe's video game rating system, PEGI, has warned against supposed "silver bullet" child protection solutions such as age verification, in an interview with AFP.

From Barron's • Mar. 23, 2026

South Korean filmmakers generally accept generative AI as an unstoppable trend, if not a silver bullet that could save an industry beleaguered by rising costs.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

Doctor Gordon cradled his pencil like a slim, silver bullet.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath