sticking plaster

idiom

Meaning

An inadequate solution to a serious problem.

Examples

SIMPLE

A pay rise is just a sticking plaster for deeper issues.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager offered overtime as a sticking plaster, but everyone knew the team was badly understaffed.

COMPLEX

The policy was denounced as a mere sticking plaster, temporarily concealing a wound that required fundamental surgery rather than superficial remedy.

Anchors to

plaster
sticking

Related idioms1entry

01
sticking point
A disputed issue or state of affairs that causes an interruption or outright impasse in progress towards some goal or resolution, especially in negotiation or argumentation.