silver bullet
The term "silver bullet" originates from folklore, where it was believed to be the only weapon capable of killing supernatural beings. It has since evolved to describe a simple, effective solution to complex problems in various contexts.
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Definition
C1Folklore
(literary)A projectile made from silver, believed to be the only means of killing supernatural creatures like werewolves.
Example
- In many tales, a silver bullet is the only way to defeat a werewolf.
B2General
(figurative)A simple, highly effective solution to a difficult problem.
Example
- There is no silver bullet for fixing the economy.
C1Military
(slang)A thermometer used for rectal temperature readings.
Example
- The medic grabbed the silver bullet to check the soldier's temperature.
C1Cocktail
(colloquial)A classic dry martini cocktail.
Example
- He ordered a silver bullet at the bar.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "silver bullet":
silver ballsilver topsilver tonguesilver steelsilver sheetsilver dollarsilver serviceghost bulletsilver foilsilver fox