political

Related to political: political system, Political views

political football

A problem or situation that causes an argument between different political parties, often in an attempt to gain an advantage. It didn't take too long before the issue of property taxes turned into a political football for the candidates.
See also: football, political

third rail

An issue or topic that is so controversial that it would immediately damage or destroy one's political career or credibility. An allusion to the electrified rail that powers electric railway systems, its figurative sense is almost exclusively used in relation to politics. Primarily heard in US. I wouldn't even bring it up—trying to withdraw people's social security benefits has long been the third rail of politics. Any talk of dismantling or reforming the current healthcare system has been a political third rail for the last two decades or so.
See also: rail, third
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

political football

Fig. an issue that becomes politically divisive; a problem that doesn't get solved because the politics of the issue get in the way. The question of campaign contributions has become a political football. All the politicians who accept questionable money are pointing fingers at each other.
See also: football, political
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

third rail

Something that is dangerous to tamper with, as in Anything concerning veterans is a political third rail. This term alludes to the rail that supplies the high voltage powering an electric train, so called since 1918. On the other hand, grab hold of the third rail means "become energized." Both shifts from the original meaning date from the late 1900s.
See also: rail, third
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

a poˌlitical ˈfootball

an issue or a problem that causes argument and disagreement and that different political groups use to gain votes: It is sad that education is still being used as a political football, instead of action being taken to improve it.
See also: football, political
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • a political football
  • get into an argument
  • get into an argument about (someone or something)
  • get into an argument about (someone or something) with (someone)
  • get into an argument over (someone or something)
  • get into an argument over (someone or something) with (someone)
  • get into an argument with (someone) about (someone or something)
  • add fuel to the fire/flames
  • add fuel to the flame(s)
  • add fuel to the flames
References in classic literature
Aristotle found in the society of his time men who were not capable of political reflection, and who, as he thought, did their best work under superintendence.
A Treatise on Government
Late-night comedy in election 2000: Its influence on candidate trait ratings and the moderating effects of political knowledge and partisanship.
Impact of Mimicry of Politicians in Pakistani television Comedy shows on political perception of Audience.
Public Affinity for Political Discourse in Pakistan
Scholars argue that political campaigns and advertisings play vital role to increase voter turnout and political knowledge.
Effects of political advertising on youth
First, it is assumed that the "politics of inclusion" is the result of a universal struggle for power over the allocation of society's resources and the determination of prevailing values between the political majority and a political minority.
The "politics of inclusion" revisited: the implications for politics in black and white in America
Historically, this convergence of corporate and political communication strategies arrived first in the advanced industrial democracies--in Europe, the U.S., Japan and Australia.
Politics as unusual: in Jamaica, elections are becoming sensationalistic political spectacles. How can resource-limited organizations get an accurate picture of public opinion?
There is much agreement that the dire situation in Iraq demands a political solution.
Should the U.S. send additional troops to Iraq? President Bush's new plan for the war, which he announced last month, includes a "surge" of 20,000 more U.S. troops for Iraq
Consciously or not, avowedly or not, the political order has theological roots; whenever we order political space we also and inevitably have God on our mind.
Theopoetic/theopolitic
Indeed, this special issue of Academic Exchange Quarterly is a testament to the depth and breadth of work being done in political science education.
Teaching Political Science: Accomplishments and Challenges
The Theocons offers a frequently damning, but unfortunately also frequently cartoonish, portrait of "a tightly knit group of ambitious and deeply conservative writers who set out over thirty years ago to devise a comprehensive political program that would reverse the secularizing direction of the country since the 1960s."
Unto the Father: Fr. Richard Neuhaus may have midwifed the religious right--but that doesn't mean Karl Rove always returns his phone calls
Peter Guardino's new book reflects some of the most interesting and innovative trends in the study of Mexican political history over the last decade or so, trends of which he himself has been one of the architects.
The Time of Liberty: Popular Political Culture in Oaxaca, 1750-1850
Politics is all about creating and nurturing a political environment in which political ideas can be built and sold.
The race for exit?
They are of the view that political parties have not even played sufficient role towards the political, social and economic development of the country.
The Role of Political Parties in Political Development of Pakistan
As companies expand globally, especially in developing countries, having a formal approach to political risk management becomes critical.
Political risk: when diversification isn't enough
Charities need to monitor closely their activities to avoid engaging in prohibited political or lobbying activities, which can trigger a variety of IRS sanctions.
Election-year focus on lobbying and political activities of public charities