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

The UK government has been under pressure to bring in a statutory ban of smartphones in schools, although recent research suggested strict bans were not a "silver bullet".

From BBC • Apr. 3, 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

“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

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

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath