Definition
A simple remedy for a difficult or complex problem, especially a cure for a disease.
Origins
Calque of German Zauberkugel. Coined by physician Paul Ehrlich as an allusion to the opera Der Freischütz. Compare silver bullet, from werewolf lore.
In Context
- "In recent years, penicillin-based drugs have lost some of their magic bullet status due to the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria."
- "History shows that there's no magic bullet for a global financial crisis."
Also Said As
- miracle
- panacea
- silver bullet
- wonder drug