cure-all
Solves every problem
A cure-all is a remedy claimed to treat any ailment or solve any problem.
The term usually carries skepticism—true cure-alls don't exist: Snake oil was sold as a cure-all for everything from baldness to rheumatism.
Figuratively, any proposed universal solution: Tax cuts aren't a cure-all for economic problems.
Mythical healing draught
- antidoteSubstance neutralizing harmful agents
- tonicInvigorating medicinal drink
- balmHealing topical preparation
- salveTopical healing preparation
therapy · treatment · medicine · potion · restorative · nostrum · infusion · decoction
Remarkably effective new medicine
- magic bulletIdeal effortless remedy
- silver bulletPerfect single remedy
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
- marvelAstonishing thing or feeling
breakthrough · revelation · amazement · prodigy · phenomenon · transformation · rejuvenation · regeneration
Fraudulent cure-all
- charlatanFaker claiming false expertise
- pseudoscienceBogus methodology posing as factual
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- placeboInactive therapeutic substitute
fraud · sham · bogus · imposture · deception · swindle · fake · scam
Non-standard healing practices
- naturopathyAlternative healing using nature
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
- acupunctureTherapeutic needle insertion
- ayurvedaIndian traditional medicine system
herbal remedy · folk remedy · traditional medicine · chiropractic · reflexology · aromatherapy · energy healing · reiki
Legendary substance enabling transmutation
- fountain of youthRestorative source of youthfulness
- elixir of lifeLegendary immortality concoction
- ambrosiaGods' immortality-granting food
- nectarFloral sugar water
holy grail · alchemy · amulet · talisman · charm · enchantment · magic · sorcery
elixir
Mythical healing draught
- antidoteSubstance neutralizing harmful agents
- tonicInvigorating medicinal drink
- balmHealing topical preparation
salve · therapy · treatment · medicine · potion · restorative · nostrum · infusion · decoction · draught
wonder drug
Remarkably effective new medicine
- magic bulletIdeal effortless remedy
- silver bulletPerfect single remedy
- wonderAmazement or curiosity
marvel · breakthrough · revelation · amazement · prodigy · phenomenon · transformation · rejuvenation · regeneration · restoration
snake oil
Fraudulent cure-all
- charlatanFaker claiming false expertise
- pseudoscienceBogus methodology posing as factual
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
placebo · fraud · sham · bogus · imposture · deception · swindle · fake · scam · humbug
alternative medicine
Non-standard healing practices
- naturopathyAlternative healing using nature
- homeopathyDiluted-substance alternative medicine
- acupunctureTherapeutic needle insertion
ayurveda · herbal remedy · folk remedy · traditional medicine · chiropractic · reflexology · aromatherapy · energy healing · reiki · detox
philosopher's stone
Legendary substance enabling transmutation
- fountain of youthRestorative source of youthfulness
- elixir of lifeLegendary immortality concoction
- ambrosiaGods' immortality-granting food
nectar · holy grail · alchemy · amulet · talisman · charm · enchantment · magic · sorcery
- potionspotion, elixir, brew, draught, tonic
- cure-allsnostrum, snake oil, elixir, wonder drug, patent medicine
- folk remedieshome remedy, herbal remedy, tonic, salve, balm
- old medicinebloodletting, leeches, leech therapy, leeching, cupping
- old remediescalomel, laudanum, tartar emetic, nostrum, patent medicines
- Patent Medicinesnake oil, nostrum, elixir, tonic, wonder drug
cure-alldead end
Passage without outlet
lost cause · hopeless case · no solution · Pandora's box · can of worms