Definition
An unwanted problem that is awkward or delicate.
In Context
- "The “lame duck” Johnson Administration, in its final fortnight in office, grappled last week with a diplomatic hot potato in the form of the latest Soviet proposal for a “just and lasting” Middle East peace settlement."
- "How do you handle the work of a woman out on leave, yet not lose a valuable employee down the road? At the same time, companies know this is a hot potato, and they have to do something."
- "Full connectivity returned 72 hours later, but the issue has become a hot potato in the US."
See Also
- hot button
- third rail
- too hot to handle