hot potato

a hot potato

Meaning

• any subject which several folks are talking about and which is frequently argued
• something that is hard or terrible to handle
• a ​problem or ​situation that is ​difficult to ​deal with and ​causes a lot of ​disagreement
• an issue or question about which people have different opinions and feel very strongly
• a controversial situation that is awkward to deal with
• a delicate or contentious matter which many people do not want to talk about

Example Sentences

1. The issue of gun control is a political hot potato in the United States.
2. The legality of abortion is a hot potato in many countries around the world.
3. I never discuss about anyone's religion, it can be a hot potato.
4. The party members are not speaking on this topic as it is a political hot potato.
5. The government's decision to curb benefits to some sections of society is like a hot potato.

Origin

The term originated in the mid 1800s and is derived from the slightly older term “to drop like a hot potato”, meaning “to abandon something or someone quickly”. It alludes to the fact that cooked potatoes retain considerable heat because they contain a lot of water.