Idiom for magic object (or idea) that fixes everything


Some people hold the irrational belief that one object (or possibly idea) can fix all their problems. For example, someone who is unhappy or anxious might think that smoking is a cure to all their problems.


What's the idiom to describe this belief? I used to know it but it slipped my mind.



Answer



You may be thinking of magic bullet but panacea would also fit.



magic bullet noun
informal
a medicine or other remedy with advanced or highly specific properties:
there’s no magic bullet, and we should just try to eat as varied and well-balanced a diet as possible


panacea noun
a solution or remedy for all difficulties or diseases:
the panacea for all corporate ills
the time-honoured panacea, cod liver oil



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