I'm looking for a phrase that describes trying to fix problems caused by underlying issues, with the result of compounding the issue. I usually call this "targeting surface problems rather than root problems", but my terminology is verbose.
Example 1: A government bans buying and selling bananas in the state. Later, it passes a clause allowing citizens to purchase imported bananas.
Example 2: A divided highway is erected with two lanes going in each direction but, since it gets lots of traffic, the shoulders are widened into new lanes. This leaves no shoulder room.
What would be a more concise phrase?
Best Answer
Superficial? Short-sighted? Jury-rigged? Slap-dash? Penny-wise, Pound-foolish? Band-Aid?