nuclear option

nuclear option

1. The use of nuclear weapons, as by the military, often considered a last resort. I'm worried about the repercussions if our military officials choose the nuclear option.
2. In the US Senate, a course of action allowing the majority party to end filibustering with a simple majority, rather than the usually required supermajority of 60%. Senators could, however, use the nuclear option to approve that nomination.
3. An especially drastic decision or action. Calling the CEO about this issue is definitely the nuclear option—let's see what we can do on our own first.
See also: nuclear, option
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • go nuclear
  • nuclear
  • Lally
  • doolally
  • no plan survives contact with the enemy
  • survive
  • harass
  • don't ask, don't tell
  • Don't Ask, Don't Tell, Don't Harass, Don't Pursue
  • go doolally
References in periodicals archive
The 'nuclear option' is available on the updated version 5.5 of Telegram that is billed as offering more privacy to its users.
Dominguez III "a boost" to the nuclear option, with him stressing that this is an affirmation to the Department of Energy's effort in pushing for nuclear as a long-term energy option for the country.
Senate Republican leaders have ignored previous calls from Trump advocating the so-called nuclear option, which would involve changing Senate rules so Republicans could more easily overcome Democratic opposition to legislation in a chamber they control by a slender 51-49 margin.
The "Nuclear Option" changed the majority from 60 votes to only 50 votes.
Senate Democrats invoked the "Nuclear Option" a couple of years ago when Republicans were actively using the filibuster rules to block Obama's judge appointments, but they stopped short of making the new rule apply to Supreme Court nominees.
Kirklees Local Medical Committee (LMC) says it is discussing the 'nuclear option' following Thursday's vote to proceed with the controversial Right Care Right Time Right Place plan.
He said the nuclear option was under consideration as the DOE endeavors to build a 30,189 megawatt (MW) reliable supply for the country by 2030, given the forecast demand and anticipated economic growth.
RIO DE JANEIRO, Shawwal 28, 1437, Aug 2, 2016, SPA -- IOC President Thomas Bach lashed out Tuesday against those calling for the "nuclear option'' or a complete ban on Russian athletes from the Rio de Janeiro Games as he and other members blamed global anti-doping officials for a scandal that has rattled the Olympic movement.
It does appear that the nuclear option which we had been relying upon to keep world peace was about as reliable as a clockwork staircase, and had been a particularly stupid idea.
Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia already have committed big capital for the nuclear option, while the other GCC states are still studying this, with offers coming from the US, France, Japan and other OECD powers.
Elimination of the consumption of fossil fuels as far as possible is laudable, but we should be investigating every possible alternative to the nuclear option.
"There are areas where big savings are still available, none of these require the nuclear option of lumping forces together.
Senate Democrats have launched the nuclear option. Now what?
"You're taking the nuclear option off the table, the fact that we'll blow through the debt ceiling, that's not going to happen,'' said Dan Veru, chief investment officer at Palisade Capital Management LLC in Fort Lee, N.J.
With a current capacity of about 16,000 MW, the government has said the nuclear option presents the most sustainable alternative to oil to power growth.