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 former is a hot potato requiring careful handling, with toxic elements of the fanbase to handle, along with the challenge of actually producing a hit from JK Rowling’s books. —Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 25 Mar. 2026

After Wembanyama’s next attempt, all six coaches played a jocular game of hot potato amongst themselves before delivering the ball back to him at the foul line. —Jeff McDonald, San Antonio Express-News, 21 Mar. 2026

For decades, toxic chemicals used in carpet manufacturing have made their way into the local water supply, setting off rounds of accountability hot potato among manufacturers, chemical makers, regulators and local utilities. —Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 3 Feb. 2026

Indeed, the Women’s Tag Team Championship has been involved in a scorching game of hot potato over the past year. —Blake Oestriecher, Forbes.com, 25 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hot potato

• adagio
• altiplano
• arapaho
• arapahoe
• manifesto
• medicago
• minangkabau
• oregano
• ostinato
• pistachio
• politico
• portfolio