Meaning of Stopgap | Babel Free

Definitions

1. That which stops up or fills a gap or hole.
   rare
2. Something spoken to fill up an uncomfortable pause in speech; a filled pause or filler.
   figuratively
3. A short-term fix or temporary measure used until something better can be obtained; that which serves as an expedient in an emergency; a band-aid solution.
   figuratively
4. A person appointed or hired to fill a position temporarily until a permanent appointment or hire can be made; a temp.
   figuratively, specifically

Equivalents

Examples

“[A] bit of ink and paper which has long been an innocent wrapping or stop-gap may at last⟳ be laid open⟳ under the one pair of eyes which have⟳ knowledge enough to turn⟳ it into the opening of a catastrophe.”

“The small company used their old product with a few kludged enhancements as a stopgap until they could develop⟳ a new product.”

“Perhaps I shall be told that this wintry exhibition is a mere stopgap and makeshift, until a fresh supply⟳ of bright new paintings can be procured, and that it is ultra vires to obtain⟳ such for love⟳ or money before the merry month of May.”

“It is often argued that the HST saved BR's InterCity market. It was only ever intended as a stopgap, but it proved to be a winner.”

“As witness the following. Mr Strudwick, the regular master of the form⟳, happened on one occasion to be away for a couple of days, and a stop-gap was put⟳ in in his place⟳. The name⟳ of the stop-gap was Mr Somerville Smith. He and Farnie exchanged an unspoken declaration of war almost immediately.”

CEFR level