conjure up a solution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "conjure up a solution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of creating or bringing forth a solution, often in a creative or imaginative way. Example: "In times of crisis, we must learn to conjure up a solution that addresses the needs of everyone involved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

A big bond-market player wants to dress up its balance sheet; wizard bankers conjure up a solution using smoke and mirrors; and regulators strain to keep up with the tricks of high finance.

The Economist

Minority platform users are often stuck waiting for a third-party to come along and conjure up a solution with whatever bits of the API they can uncover, or hoping that someone builds a clone.

TechCrunch

When that happens cannot be predicted, but it is a matter of metaphysical certainty that it will, and when that dreaded day occurs, it will be beyond the capacity of Washington's policymakers, including the Federal Reserve, to conjure up a solution devoid of pain.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Yet Boyle rarely has followed custom, and the outside-the-box thinking that has yielded his eclectic filmography also helped Boyle and his "Slumdog Millionaire" team conjure up a novel solution -- they sent in a fake documentary crew to get the footage.

Los Angeles Times

But before my brain could conjure up an answer, she had walked right on by.

The New York Times

What tends to happen when an entrepreneur conjures up a possible solution to a tough problem?

Huffington Post

Some historians conjure up a scene of orgiastic mayhem.

Independent

He could not quite conjure up a baby.

The New Yorker

In this talk, I want to conjure up a different history of anatomical collecting.

Stanford University

The words conjure up a character from Jane Austen a Lydia Bennet or an Isabella Thorpe.

The Economist

We need a different word to conjure up a rat-like creature.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "conjure up a solution" when you want to emphasize the creative or imaginative aspect of problem-solving. It suggests a clever or resourceful approach.

Common error

Avoid using "conjure up a solution" in highly formal or technical writing. Alternatives like "develop a solution" or "formulate a solution" are more appropriate for those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "conjure up a solution" functions as a phrasal verb, where "conjure up" acts as the verb and "a solution" is the object. It describes the action of creating or bringing forth a solution, often implying ingenuity or creativity, like in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "conjure up a solution" is a phrasal verb that describes the act of creatively finding a solution. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's relatively rare and leans towards a neutral register, making it suitable for news and general writing but potentially less fitting for highly formal contexts. When aiming for alternatives, consider options like "devise a solution" or "formulate a solution" to maintain the core meaning while adjusting the tone. The choice depends on the desired level of formality and the emphasis you want to place on the creative or resourceful nature of the problem-solving process.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

devise a solution

Emphasizes the planning and creation aspect of finding a solution.

formulate a solution

Stresses the systematic and precise nature of creating a solution.

come up with a solution

A more general and common way of saying "find a solution".

generate a solution

Highlights the creation and production of a solution.

create a solution

Focuses on the act of making or building a solution.

invent a solution

Suggests a more innovative or original approach to finding a solution.

discover a solution

Implies finding a solution that already exists but was previously unknown.

conceive a solution

Emphasizes the mental process of imagining and developing a solution.

find a workaround

Suggests finding a way to overcome an obstacle, not necessarily a perfect solution.

engineer a solution

Highlights the careful planning and technical expertise required to create a solution.

FAQs

What does "conjure up a solution" mean?

It means to create or find a solution, often through clever thinking or imagination. It suggests resourcefulness in finding a solution, especially when facing a difficult problem.

How can I use "conjure up a solution" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone finding a creative solution to a problem. For example: "The team had to "conjure up a solution" to meet the tight deadline."

What are some alternatives to "conjure up a solution"?

You can use alternatives like "devise a solution", "formulate a solution", or "come up with a solution" depending on the context.

Is "conjure up a solution" formal or informal?

It is generally considered more informal. In professional settings, more formal alternatives like "develop a solution" or "formulate a solution" might be more appropriate.