Grammar fix
a sticking-plaster solution
criticised temporary fix
A temporary solution that deals with a problem without solving its deeper cause.
How oftenNow and then
LevelC1
Used inSpeech & writing
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
Giving every patient a short appointment is only a sticking-plaster solution to the pressure on the health service.
Our landlord just put a bucket under the leak in the roof, which is a sticking-plaster solution really; it needs fixing properly.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Putting a bucket under the leak is just a band solution.
Say: Putting a bucket under the leak is just a sticking-plaster solution.
UK: 'sticking-plaster solution'; US: 'Band-Aid solution'. Don't shorten to 'band' or 'plaster'.
Don't confuse it
Other ways to say it
A quick fix that works for now
How criticalNeutralDismissive
temporary solutionA solution intended to work only for a limited time.a stopgapSomething used until a better or permanent solution is available.
a sticking-plaster solutionYou're here · British: a temporary fix criticized for leaving underlying problems unresolved.