wave a magic wand

wave a magic wand

To provide the perfect solution to a given problem or difficulty, as if by magic. If I could wave a magic wand, I would just make it so the pipe had been installed properly in the first place. But I can't, so we're going to have to make a decision about how to fix it. We can't just wave a magic wand and make poverty go away. It will have to be a systematic effort by many stakeholders.
See also: magic, wand, wave

wave a/(one's) (magic) wand (and do something)

To provide the perfect solution to a given problem or difficulty, as if by magic. If I could wave my magic wand, I would just make it so the pipe had been installed properly in the first place. But I can't, so we're going to have to make a decision about how to fix it. We can't just wave a magic wand and make poverty go away. It will have to be a systematic effort by many stakeholders.
See also: wand, wave
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

wave a magic wand

If someone waves a magic wand, they quickly and easily make things the way you want them to be. As much as I would like to, I can't solve all your problems by waving a magic wand. The fans think that you just wave a magic wand and you get money. Note: This expression is usually used to talk about things which are not possible.
See also: magic, wand, wave
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

wave a (or your) magic wand

exercise an arbitrary (quasi-supernatural) power in order to make something happen.
2004 Trinidad Guardian It is not realistic to believe or to say that a UNC government would wave a magic wand and crime would dissipate.
See also: magic, wand, wave
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • wave a wand
  • wave a/(one's) (magic) wand (and do something)
  • carpet
  • magic
  • black magic
  • magic wand
  • wand
  • wand waver
  • waver
References in periodicals archive
UNDER-PRESSURE Nathan Jones says he's "not Harry Potter" and can't wave a magic wand to suddenly right Stoke's wrongs at the end of what has been a miserable season.
There's no quick fix, says Jones
Would you like to wave a magic wand and stop an angry skeleton from attacking you and your friends?
Wizards Gallery: Where you make magic happen
"But then you've got to find a replacement who's better and who will wave a magic wand. You've got to be careful what you wish for sometimes."
Pearson: No magic wand to keep us up
Every person has at least one aspect of themselves they'd love to Wave a magic Wand over and change for the better.
HOW NOT TO GET OLD; TV CHOICE
If you have ever wished you could wave a magic wand to instantly lift your skin and remove lines and wrinkles, then lift the years away with this wand.
Magic wand that can ease away the years
If you could wave a magic wand and make your wildest dream come true, what would it be?
If you could wave a magic wand and make your wildest dream come true, what would it be?
School chaplain Sven Bjarnason said: "I told the pupils I wish I could wave a magic wand and make it all go away, but I can't."
Shot girl mourned
He said: "The ownership problems are well documented and I can't wave a magic wand and make them go away.
ROY KOP SHAKER
ROY HODGSON admits he cannot wave a magic wand to cure Liverpool's chronic bout of travel sickness.
Hodgson bids to end poor travel record
I WRITE in response to Joyce Gascoigne's letter (Mail, July 29).While she feels my opinion and judgment are misguided as regards Labour policies past and present, I would assume she is staunchly Conservative or, like many who criticise hard work with some results, never vote but always moan and expect politicians to wave a magic wand if the right individual or party can be selected.
Letter: Your Say - Tough talk
NEWCASTLE goalkeeper Shay Given has warned that manager Kevin Keegan cannot wave a magic wand to cure all the club's ills.
Football: Keegan will need time admits realistic Shay
The US ambassador will tell Muslims in Birmingham today that his country cannot wave a magic wand in Iraq and make its complex problems go away.
'No magic wand for Iraq'
"I wish I could just wave a magic wand and lower the price at the pump.
Jargon watch: Harry Potter syndrome
If I could wave a magic wand I'd wind back time and not be here.
BIG BROTHER: Magic me away says scary Mary
Hearts boss Craig Levein wants to wave a magic wand but he'd prefer someone to give him a magic wad
FOOTBALL: TALKING A GOOD GAME