sticking plaster

American  

noun

1. an adhesive cloth or other material for covering and closing superficial wounds, holding bandages in place, etc.

---

sticking plaster British  

noun

1. Usual US term: adhesive tape.  a thin cloth with an adhesive substance on one side, used for covering slight or superficial wounds

---

Etymology

Origin of sticking plaster

First recorded in 1645–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sticking plaster

While there is hope that Rutte's tactics will pay off again in Ankara -- among some there is a sense that it's just a sticking plaster solution.

From Barron's ● Jul. 6, 2026

Much of the sector "needs not just a sticking plaster but urgent corrective action", the report said.

From BBC ● Apr. 15, 2026

Bill Farren-Price, senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, said the release is a "sticking plaster on a much bigger problem".

From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2026

"They're using a sticking plaster on something that needs major surgery. It's a waste of money."

From BBC ● Feb. 12, 2026

Her arm was out of the sling and she had a band of sticking plaster round her wrist.

From "1984" by George Orwell