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Glite Dictionary
go-to remedy

go-to remedy

3.7
A simple, trusted way to help with a problem
  • noun
  • Informal
translation icon : remedio preferido
  • When I have a headache, my go-to remedy is a cup of herbal tea.

Examples

  • Pho is my go-to remedy for stress, sadness, happiness, sickness, just because, and cold rainy days like today.

    Blog text (15)

  • My go-to remedy is a little bit of Rosebud Salve overnight.

    Blog text (15)

  • For minor cuts and scrapes, using antiseptic cream is my go-to remedy.

  • When I'm feeling anxious, meditation is my go-to remedy to find calm.

Synonyms

go-to
vsgo-to remedy
  • Informal
43 4.9

A person or thing people always choose for a certain need

is specifically a preferred method or solution rather than any person or thing
workaround
vsgo-to remedy
17 3.9

A temporary way to get past a problem when the normal way fails

is a preferred reliable solution rather than a temporary bypass for blocked processes

Antonyms

last resort
69 3.5

A final thing you try when all other options have failed

How Reliable

go-to remedy
  • Informal
3.7
quick-and-dirty fix
  • Informal
6.6
cure-all
7 7.5
homeopathy
22 9.0

Surface Forms

go-to remedy singular
go-to remedies plural

Morphology

go-to + remedy

The meaning is largely derivable from the constituents: 'go-to' (something you 'go to' for help) + 'remedy' (a solution), so a B1 learner who knows the verbs and noun can plausibly infer 'a preferred or reliable solution'. However, 'go-to' is a lexicalized adjectival phrase with a figurative shift (turning a verb phrase into an adjective meaning 'preferred'), so full comprehension may require some exposure. For these reasons it is not fully transparent but not idiomatically opaque either.

Etymology

The phrase go-to remedy comes from the image of always going to the same shelf or person for help. Because go-to is like a place you 'go to' and remedy is a cure, it now means a 'preferred' or 'reliable' solution.