# sticking plaster

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/sticking-plaster
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An inadequate solution to a serious problem.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.