Bastellösung
A tinkerer’s solution. It works, more or less. It is rarely meant as praise.
Behelfslösung, Notlösung
A makeshift solution, an emergency solution.
Provisorium
A temporary arrangement. Nichts hält länger als ein Provisorium. Nothing lasts longer than a provisional arrangement.
frickeln
To fiddle about with a small technical thing in order to fix or improve it.
Trick 17
Trick number 17. A clever move or device that solves a problem in a surprising way. The dictionary DWDS gives no origin for the number.
durch die Hintertür
Through the back door. Said of something introduced without the proper way.