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Hot potato
01
sujet épineux, question délicate
a difficult or controversial issue or topic that is uncomfortable or risky to handle
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "hot potato" and when to use it?
The idiom "hot potato" originated from the literal situation of a potato being hot and difficult to handle. It has evolved to describe any controversial, sensitive, or challenging issue or topic that is passed or transferred quickly from one person or group to another due to its complexity or potential for difficulty. The phrase is commonly used to emphasize the uncomfortable nature of dealing with a particular matter, often highlighting the desire of individuals or entities to avoid responsibility for it.
hot potato
n
Exemple
The controversial policy decision turned into a hot potato as various political figures distanced themselves from it.
The employee's misconduct allegation turned into a hot potato for the HR department, requiring careful handling to avoid legal repercussions.
The budget deficit issue has become a hot potato in the government, as officials are reluctant to propose unpopular measures to address it.
The scandal surrounding the company's financial practices became a hot potato that no executive wanted to address directly.
When the team realized the magnitude of the project's challenges, it became a hot potato, with everyone trying to shift responsibility to someone else.
