hot potato
noun
: a controversial question or issue that involves unpleasant or dangerous consequences for anyone dealing with it
Examples of hot potato in a Sentence
He tried to avoid taking a strong stand on political hot potatoes like abortion.
Recent Examples on the Web
The political game of hot potato, where no one wants to be seen as responsible for banning TikTok, suggests that the app may not be gone for good.
—
Richard Lawler, The Verge, 18 Jan. 2025
Biden’s last-minute removal of Cuba from the list mirrors Trump’s 2021 move to designate the island a state sponsor of terrorism, with both U.S. presidents leaving behind a political hot potato for their 2020 opponent in their final days in office.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025
The game of hot potato between Tennessee Titans quarterbacks Will Levis and Mason Rudolph will continue into the club's season finale against the Houston Texans.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Working with one at a time, pick up hot potato halves with an oven mitt or towel; scoop potato flesh into a large bowl, leaving a 1/4- to 1/8-inch thick shell.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
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Richard Lawler, The Verge, 18 Jan. 2025
Biden’s last-minute removal of Cuba from the list mirrors Trump’s 2021 move to designate the island a state sponsor of terrorism, with both U.S. presidents leaving behind a political hot potato for their 2020 opponent in their final days in office.
—Laura Kelly, The Hill, 14 Jan. 2025
The game of hot potato between Tennessee Titans quarterbacks Will Levis and Mason Rudolph will continue into the club's season finale against the Houston Texans.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Working with one at a time, pick up hot potato halves with an oven mitt or towel; scoop potato flesh into a large bowl, leaving a 1/4- to 1/8-inch thick shell.
—Ann Taylor Pittman, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hot potato
Dictionary Entries Near hot potato
Cite this Entry
“Hot potato.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20potato. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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