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

Leon Mallett, head of vaccinations in Birmingham and Solihull, says the call-and-recall model "is really effective" but "not a silver bullet" and needs to be combined with other strategies.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2026

Though the effect was strong, platelet factor 4 won't be a silver bullet that reverses the aging of all tissues and prolongs the lifespan of elderly human patients alone, Pinho said.

From Science Daily • Dec. 31, 2025

However, he added that Xi’s comments meant “those hoping for a silver bullet may be left waiting.”

From Barron's • Dec. 15, 2025

“There’s no silver bullet, we need it all,” Wirth said at the conference, highlighting that the demand for oil, coal, as well as other energy sources are “higher than it is ever been.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 10, 2025

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

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath