PhrasesHub

A hot potato

    Definitions

      • a controversial or sensitive topic
        Refers to a subject or issue that is difficult or uncomfortable to discuss, often because it is controversial or uncomfortable.

      • a problem or issue that is difficult to handle
        Describes a situation or problem that is challenging or troublesome to address or resolve.

      • something that is difficult to hold or handle
        Can also refer to a literal hot potato, emphasizing that something is difficult to hold or handle because it is physically hot or uncomfortable.

    Examples of A hot potato

    • The CEO's decision to lay off a significant portion of the workforce has become a hot potato in the company.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation that is highly contentious and difficult to handle. Just like a hot potato can burn someone if they hold it for too long, a decision that is unpopular or has negative consequences can also cause harm if not handled carefully. In this example, the CEO's decision has become a hot potato because it has sparked controversy and criticism within the company.

    • The scandal involving the politician's extramarital affair has become a hot potato in the media.

      In this example, the scandal is being compared to a hot potato because it is a sensitive and volatile issue that is causing a lot of controversy and negative attention. Just like a hot potato can cause burns, this scandal has the potential to damage the politician's reputation and career if not handled carefully.

    • The issue of gun control has become a hot potato in the political debate.

      This idiom is being used to describe a situation where a contentious issue is being fiercely debated and is causing a lot of tension and controversy. Just like a hot potato can cause burns, this issue has the potential to cause harm to those who are involved in the debate, as it is a highly charged and emotionally charged topic.

    • The CEO's decision to restructure the company has become a hot potato in the boardroom.

      In this example, the CEO's decision is being compared to a hot potato because it is a difficult and sensitive issue that is causing a lot of tension and controversy within the boardroom. Just like a hot potato can cause burns, this decision has the potential to harm the CEO's relationship with the board members if not handled carefully.

    • The decision to close the local hospital has become a hot potato in the community.

      This idiom is being used to describe a situation where a contentious issue is causing a lot of tension and controversy within a community. Just like a hot potato can cause burns, this decision has the potential to harm the relationships between the hospital administrators and the community members if not handled carefully.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a hot potato" is used to describe a topic or issue that is sensitive, difficult, or uncomfortable to handle. It can also refer to a literal hot potato, indicating that something is physically difficult to hold or handle. This idiom is often used to warn against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit.

    Origin of "A hot potato"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in Ireland in the 1800s. At the time, potatoes were a staple food in Ireland and were often cooked by dropping them into a pot of boiling water. If someone accidentally dropped a potato into the pot, they would have to quickly retrieve it before it became too hot to handle. This led to the phrase "dropping a hot potato," which eventually evolved into "a hot potato."

    The idiom gained popularity in the United States during the 19th century, where it was often used in political debates and discussions. It was also used in literature and theater, further solidifying its place in the English language. Today, "a hot potato" is a commonly used idiom across the world, with its origins rooted in the simple act of cooking potatoes.