Hot potato is a common English idiom used to describe a controversial, sensitive, or difficult issue that people prefer to avoid because dealing with it may cause trouble, criticism, or conflict.
Meaning of “Hot Potato”
The idiom hot potato refers to a topic, problem, or responsibility that is politically, socially, or emotionally sensitive and is often passed from person to person because no one wants to handle it for long.
The image comes from the idea of holding a very hot potato—you want to drop it as quickly as possible to avoid getting burned.
Example Sentences
- He dropped the plan like a hot potato when he realized how much it would cost.
- The abortion issue remains a political hot potato in the United States.
- Racial discrimination is still a social hot potato in many countries.
- The proposal quickly became a hot potato, with no department willing to take responsibility.
- Tax reform is a political hot potato that divides public opinion.
- They avoided discussing the issue, treating it like a hot potato.
“Hot Potato” Synonyms
The following expressions are closer in meaning because they focus on controversial or sensitive issues, not disasters or emergencies:
- Contentious issue
- Burning issue
- Hot topic
- Touchy subject
- Tricky problem
- Political minefield
- Difficult issue
English Idioms with Vegetables
- Carrot and stick: A system of rewards and punishments used to encourage behavior
- Two peas in a pod: Very similar or alike
- Couch potato: A person who is physically inactive and spends a lot of time sitting, especially watching TV
- Small potatoes: Something or someone insignificant
- In a pickle: To be in a difficult or embarrassing situation
- Full of beans: Having a lot of energy and enthusiasm
- Dangle a carrot: To tempt or motivate someone with a reward
- Cool as a cucumber: Extremely calm under pressure
- Carrot top: A person with red hair
- Salad days: A youthful or inexperienced period of life
- Have a pea brain: To be unintelligent
- Pass an olive branch: To offer peace or reconciliation
- Spill the beans: To reveal a secret
- Mushroom: To grow or spread rapidly
- A tough nut to crack: A difficult problem or person to deal with
- Not know beans: To know nothing about something
- Go nuts: To become very angry, excited, or crazy
- Tell tall tales: To exaggerate or lie
Last Updated on February 2, 2026
