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Region: General | Usage example: The policy change became a hot potato for the committee.

A hot potato

Meaning

A controversial issue no one wants to deal with.

Usage

Used when describing delicate topics.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Literal hot potatoes tossed quickly to avoid burning.

Used since Victorian times to describe awkward situations.

Related Idioms

Couch potato

Someone who spends excessive time watching television.

Elephant in the room

An obvious issue nobody wants to address.

Throw down the gauntlet

Issue a direct challenge.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.