a hot potato
The tax reform became a hot potato for the politicians.
The tax reform turned into a controversial issue that politicians didn't want to discuss.
A subject or problem that is difficult, controversial, or risky to deal with.
The CEO avoided the question because it was a hot potato.
The CEO dodged the question because it was a risky, controversial issue.
Often used in politics, business, and media to describe topics people prefer to ignore.
Collocations
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid literal confusion
Make sure the context makes it clear you are speaking figuratively; otherwise listeners may picture an actual hot potato.
Gold Rule
Figurative only
Never use "hot potato" when you mean a literal potato that is hot; the idiom always conveys a difficult or controversial issue.
Word Origin
First recorded in early 20th‑century American slang; likens a literal hot potato, which is hard to hold, to a problem that is hard to deal with.
Usage Notes
Use when referring to a matter that people avoid because it may cause trouble or disagreement.