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
Touted as a reform measure that would increase the city’s low voter turnout, the even-year proposal posed a mathematical problem that quickly became a political hot potato.
—
Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
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
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Miami Herald, 14 May 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for hot potato
Cite this Entry
“Hot potato.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hot%20potato. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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