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

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

“Supplements aren’t a silver bullet, and they don’t override poor lifestyle choices,” Asprey said in a statement.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 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

Baroness Kidron told Nick Robinson a ban social media for under 16-year-olds was "not a silver bullet".

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Our plane, a giant silver bullet with wings awaits us at the gate.

From "First They Killed My Father: A Daughter of Cambodia Remembers" by Loung Ung