Question

Choose the explanation that catches the spirit of the idiom given in the question.
A panacea
a- An injection that serves as a life-line
b- A lecture full of precepts
c- A strong drug that induces sleep
d- A single cure for all diseases or troubles

Answer 1

Hint: An idiom refers to a group of words or a phrase that indicates a metaphorical meaning rather than the literal meaning of its words.

Complete answer:
 ‘Panacea’ refers to a magic-bullet that provides treatment or cure for all diseases or problems.
The word, ‘panacea’ has been derived from the Greek word- Panakos, which means all remedy.
We know the meaning and the origin of the word, ‘panacea’. Now, let’s look at its usage:
For example- My company has developed a panacea for all corporal difficulties. Here, we can conclude that X’s company has developed a cure or remedy for all corporal problems.
Let’s decipher the meaning of the given options-
Option a- ‘An injection that serves as a life-line’ refers to an injection that functions as a cure for a specific problem. It does not catch the spirit of the idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option b- ‘A lecture full of precepts’ refers to a lecture full of rules and principles. It does not catch the spirit of the idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option c- ‘A strong drug that induces sleep’ refers to a medicine that causes one to sleep. It does not catch the spirit of the idiom. Hence, it is an incorrect option.
Option d- ‘A single cure for all diseases or troubles’ refers to a cure or treatment that would act as a remedy for all problems and diseases. It catches the spirit of the idiom. Hence, it is the correct option.
So, the correct answer is “Option d”.

Note:
Some one-word substitutions for the idiom are; cure-all, elixir, nostrum, etc. While some antonyms for the idiom are; injury, pain, disease, etc.