the cure is worse than the disease
(Redirected from the cure is worse than the ill)
English edit
Etymology edit
From Latin aegrescit medendo (literally “it worsens with healing”) attributed to Virgil in book XII of the Aeneid.[1][2]
Phrase edit
the cure is worse than the disease
- The medical treatment for an illness produces a worse net result than the illness does (or threatens a non-negligible risk of doing so), especially via adverse effects.
- (figuratively) The solution or proposed solution to a problem produces a worse net result than the problem does (or threatens a non-negligible risk of doing so), especially via unintended consequences.
- 2014-06-11, Robert Johnson The Real News Network:
- Regarding the repeal of the Glass-Steagall act and other repeals of financial regulations, or even in legislating new financial regulations, you have to be careful that the cure is not worse than the disease.
- 2014-06-11, Robert Johnson The Real News Network:
Translations edit
The solution to a problem produces a worse net result
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References edit
- ^ Fairclough HR, Goold GP (eds.), Virgil. Aeneid Books 7–12, Appendix Vergiliana. Loeb Classical Library, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press; 2001.
- ^ Rubenstein, D.S., Holmes, B.B., Manfredi, J.A. et al. Aegrescit medendo: orthopedic disability in electrophysiology - call for fluoroscopy elimination—review and commentary. J Interv Card Electrophysiol 64, 239–253 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10840-022-01173-5