third rail

noun

1

: a metal rail through which electric current is led to the motors of an electric vehicle (such as a subway car)

2

: a controversial issue usually avoided by politicians

Examples of third rail in a Sentence

Social Security is the third rail of American politics.

Recent Examples on the Web

Goalie interference is the third rail of the NHL, the most gray area the league has to judge — just look at the end of the second period, when Anders Lee’s goal was upheld on a Columbus challenge after some jostling with Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins. —Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025

There are billions of dollars in potential savings from MA changes, but the program is a political third rail given the influence of insurers and the perils of igniting attacks about cutting Medicare. —Peter Sullivan, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025

Reducing tangible benefits — beyond mere waste and fraud — risks touching a political third rail. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

The threat of severe cutbacks amid those entitlements, long considered a third rail in U.S. politics, has angered some Trump allies. —Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1867, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for third rail

• airmail
• assail
• avail
• bewail
• blackmail
• cattail
• cocktail
• curtail
• derail
• detail
• dovetail
• email