Wytrych pojęciowy

[yoric]

I can remember asking this question once, but my search consistently returns
no results... so I just have to ask once more:

What do you call "wytrych pojęciowy", a concept or piece of explanation that
seems to fit nicely into many arguments or accounts but does its job only
superficially and does not really explain anything.
"Cure-all", "magic bullet", and "master key" all feel quite close, but I'm
sure there is some better term. Or is there?

[paper_mate]

"one-size-fits-all solution" perhaps?

[yoric]

Still not quite it.
Thanks for a nice expression though, I didn't know it before.
"Deus ex machina" seems close too, but... still not quite the thing - lacks the
'universality' component.

[steph13]

'universal panacea' perhaps?

[la_dolce_vita]

an ultimate answer

[al.1]

Czy chodzi o odpowiednik naszego (z niem.) wichajster lub dinks? :)

[paper_mate]

How about "cliché"?

The thing what throws me off is that somehow your examples suggest that it
should provide some positive outcome or solution.

Doesn't that phrase exist so when we are unable to explain something well then
we throw that concept (whatever is fashionable at the moment) to cover our lack
of knowledge?

For example: wealthy people chatting over 5 o'clock tea about poverty in Asia
and someone suggest that it is the effect of globalization.

It doesn't offer any solution, it is just a cliché.

[paper_mate]

catch phrase like multi-culturalism or sustainable development

[jewis]

How about 'all-purpose concept'or more colloquially 'all-rounder'?
Best

[yoric]

"Doesn't that phrase exist so when we are unable to explain something well then
we throw that concept (whatever is fashionable at the moment) to cover our lack
of knowledge?"

Precisely.
But I don't think "cliche" is gonna work, either - if something is a cliche,
then people aren;t likely to appreciate it. Not so with "wytrych pojęciowy" -
unless one gives it appropriate consideration, one is likely to fall for it.
Catch phrase would be good, but it's too broad.
:)
I think an ideal translation simply does not exist (even though I positively
experience a tip-of-the-tongue effect and would swear I surely heard it
somewhere some time ago).

[paper_mate]

Hmm, too bad. I must admit I am having more trouble with the polish side of
the equation.

But I love the question so work with me on that little bit more. Perhaps if we
put heads together we get something.

[yoric]

You know :).
when you metaphorically conceptualise a problem as a lock to be opened, you can
either craft a well-fitting key (the proper way), or use a standard picklock,
fitting all locks, to break in. This is the improper way: it seems to work, but
on closer inspection it does not.
[I know in reality using a picklock can be pretty effective, but this metaphor
is just that - a metaphor and does not carry us all the way. Besides, breaking
in somehow does not feel right :)]
I also think "wytrych pojęciowy" is a neologism rather than a fixed phrase in
Polish, but it seems to do its job very well.

[denglisch]

buzz word?

[yoric]

> buzz word?

I'm sorry?

[yoric]

Oh, OK, there is some connection, but definitely not the thing I'm looking for.

[paper_mate]

a backdoor solution

The problem with this one is that it has the IT connotation although I have
heard it used often in everyday situations.