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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 She was shuffled from agency to agency, seeking referral after referral, like a game of hot potato. Carly Stern, Vox, 6 Dec. 2024 Meanwhile, the redevelopment of city parks can become a political hot potato — last year, an effort to remake Zilker Park died in the face of opposition from neighbors and environmental groups. Asher Price, Axios, 26 Nov. 2024 Hochul has made also made enemies within her own party over her handling of congestion pricing and other hot potato issues. Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 20 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hot potato 

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hot potato was in 1950

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 29 Dec. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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