sticking plaster
An inadequate solution to a serious problem.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“A pay rise is just a sticking plaster for deeper issues.”
“The manager offered overtime as a sticking plaster, but everyone knew the team was badly understaffed.”
“The policy was denounced as a mere sticking plaster, temporarily concealing a wound that required fundamental surgery rather than superficial remedy.”
- 01
beat off with a stick
To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).
- 02
beat with the ugly stick
Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.
- 03
carrot and stick
The simultaneous rewarding of good behavior and punishing of bad behavior.
- 04
clue stick
A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.
- 05
get on the stick
To get started; to begin working; to become active.
- 06
get stuck in
To dedicate a large amount of effort towards.
- 07
hit with the stupid stick
Used to describe someone who is stupid or unintelligent.
- 08
holy crap on a stick
Emphatic form of holy crap.
Last updated August 10, 2026