panaceas
Solutions for everything
Panaceas are supposed cures for all diseases or problems—universal remedies.
The word usually carries skepticism: Politicians keep proposing tax cuts as panaceas.
True panaceas don't exist; the term typically signals that a proposed solution is too simple for complex problems.
Supposed universal remedy
- remedyCurative treatment or fix
- antidoteSubstance neutralizing harmful agents
- tonicInvigorating medicinal drink
- salveTopical healing preparation
balm · restorative · healing · therapeutic · pharmacopoeia · snake oil · quackery · patent medicine
Perfect single remedy
- magic bulletIdeal effortless remedy
- quick fixHasty temporary solution
- easy answerSimple, obvious solution
- one-size-fits-allMeant for anybody
band-aid · catchall · cure · magic wand · golden key
Mythical healing draught
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- ambrosiaGods' immortality-granting food
- nectarFloral sugar water
- fountain of youthRestorative source of youthfulness
holy grail · moly · soma · golden apples · ichor · arcanum · nostrum
Fraudulent cure-all
- charlatanFaker claiming false expertise
- quackFake healer or fowl noise
- placeboInactive therapeutic substitute
- pseudoscienceBogus methodology posing as factual
false hope · overpromise · huckster · fraud · debunk · skeptic · wishful thinking · too good to be true
Complete change of form
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- elixir of lifeLegendary immortality concoction
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
- universal solventDissolves any substance
cure-all
Supposed universal remedy
- remedyCurative treatment or fix
- antidoteSubstance neutralizing harmful agents
- tonicInvigorating medicinal drink
salve · balm · restorative · healing · therapeutic · pharmacopoeia · snake oil · quackery · patent medicine · miracle cure
silver bullet
Perfect single remedy
- magic bulletIdeal effortless remedy
- quick fixHasty temporary solution
- easy answerSimple, obvious solution
one-size-fits-all · band-aid · catchall · cure · magic wand · golden key
elixir
Mythical healing draught
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- ambrosiaGods' immortality-granting food
- nectarFloral sugar water
fountain of youth · holy grail · moly · soma · golden apples · ichor · arcanum · nostrum
snake oil
Fraudulent cure-all
- charlatanFaker claiming false expertise
- quackFake healer or fowl noise
- placeboInactive therapeutic substitute
pseudoscience · false hope · overpromise · huckster · fraud · debunk · skeptic · wishful thinking · too good to be true
transmutation
Complete change of form
- philosopher's stoneLegendary substance enabling transmutation
- elixir of lifeLegendary immortality concoction
- quintessencePurest embodiment of something
- apothecarypharmacy, apothecary, drugstore, dispensary, pharmacist
panaceassnake oil
Fraudulent cure-all
quackery · placebos · nostrums · evidence-based medicine · charlatanism