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temporary solution — short-term fix

collocationB1IELTS 5+neutralcommon

A way of dealing with a problem for now, but not a permanent answer.

Say it like a native

Textbook This constitutes a provisional remedy of limited duration.

Native It's just a temporary solution.

Natural; 'a provisional remedy of limited duration' is formal padding.

Pattern: a/the temporary solution (to something)

In use

  • Using a fan is only a temporary solution to the heat until the air conditioner is fixed.daily life
  • In my opinion, increasing public transport is only a temporary solution to traffic problems. A long-term plan is needed to really solve the issue.IELTS speaking

Common mistake

✗ It's a temporal solution.

✓ It's a temporary solution.

'Temporary' (short-lasting), not 'temporal' (to do with time/grammar).

Common collocations

  • a temporary solution — just a, quick fix, find a, stopgap

Don't confuse it

Compare with 'permanent solution', which means a fix that lasts.

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