Band-Aid solution
A quick and/or temporary solution to a problem that does not address or resolve the underlying cause of said problem. Taken from the Band-Aid brand of adhesive bandages. While offering free pizza to customers affected by the oil spill is a cute Band-Aid solution, the company has no plan in place to deal with the actual damage that it caused.
come to (someone's) aid
To provide assistance, support, or rescue to someone. Thank goodness the Coast Guard came to my aid, or I might have drowned out there. We were in serious financial trouble until Susan's mother came to our aid and helped us with some of our debt.
Band-Aid treatment
A method of covering up a problem, rather than solving it or getting to the root of it. Refers to the trademark for a brand of adhesive bandages. Honestly, I think this is just a Band-Aid treatment—we need to work harder and find a real solution.
Band-Aid
A quick and usually ineffective solution to a problem that only addresses the symptom and not the root cause. Refers to the trademark for a brand of adhesive bandages. Primarily heard in US. Lowering educational standards in schools may increase graduation rates, but it does little more than slap a Band-Aid on a much deeper problem.
an aide-mémoire
Notes or pictures that one uses to remember something. When I was studying for the test, I made an aide-mémoire of all the steps in photosynthesis.
be in aid of
To support or help something or someone. The fundraiser is in aid of the local family whose house just burned down.
aid and abet
To assist someone, usually in a mischievous or illegal activity. Gary was arrested and charged with aiding and abetting the jewelry thief. I know other kids aided and abetted Paul in egging our house—he's just the only one who got caught.
aid (someone) in (something)
To assist someone in completing an action or activity. It was nice of Julie to aid me in cleaning my house before the party. Jim aided his son in changing the flat tire on the car.
aid and abet someone
Cliché to help someone; to incite someone to do something, possibly something that is wrong. (Originally a legal phrase.) He was scolded for aiding and abetting the boys who were fighting.
aid someone in doing something
to help someone do something. He aided her in fixing up the back bedroom.
aid someone in something
to help someone in some kind of trouble. Will you aid me in this difficulty?
be in aid of
to be intended to help, cure, or resolve. What is all this in aid of? I don't understand what your comments are in aid of.
bring something to someone's aid
to bring something with which to help someone. The officer brought medical supplies to our aid. An ambulance was brought to the injured man's aid.
What's something in aid of?
(British & Australian informal) something that you say when you want to know why someone has done something I heard the shouting from the other side of the building. What was that in aid of? A present! What's this in aid of?
an aide-mémoire
(formal) a piece of writing or a picture that helps you to remember something I write notes to myself and put them on the board. It serves as an aide-mémoire.
a Band-Aid
(American) a temporary solution to a problem, or something that seems to be a solution but has no real effect
Usage notes: Band-Aid is a trademark for a thin piece of sticky material used to cover small cuts on the body.
A few food and medical supplies were delivered to the region but it was little more than a Band-Aid. (
American)