hot potatoˌhot poˈtato noun [countable] 
The issue has become a political hot potato.
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Euthanasia for terminally ill patients is a political hot potato.
- And Ireland was the sort of hot potato a Bagshaw feared most.
- It had become a political hot potato, and time ran out as backers bickered over what tests to run.
- That's when you see the Colonel and his council playing pass-the-parcel with a hot potato.
Longman Language Activatora situation that is difficult to deal with or talk about
a difficult situation or subject is not easy to deal with or talk about, and it makes you feel nervous or unhappy: · Things at home have been very difficult since my father died.be in a difficult position (=to have problems that are difficult to deal with): · Officials say they are in the difficult position of having to implement a law they strongly disagree with.
an awkward situation or subject is difficult to deal with or talk about, especially because it might be embarrassing: · He's at an age when kids start asking awkward questions - like 'Where do babies come from?'
a tricky situation is one that you have to deal with very carefully, because there are a lot of things that could easily go wrong: · Teachers often have to deal with tricky situations such as interviews with angry parents.it could/would be tricky to do something: · It would be very tricky to try to stabilize the region without the support of other countries.
a delicate matter, subject, situation etc is one that you must be very careful talking about or dealing with because you risk offending or upsetting people: · I am seeking your professional advice on a very delicate matter.· Madeline was wondering how to approach the delicate question of her salary with her new boss.
something that is sensitive , such as a political or social problem or a document, is likely to cause trouble or be likely to upset someone: · The team is gathering information on the sensitive subject of child abuse.· The administration claims that the documents contain information of a highly sensitive political nature.
a touchy subject or situation is one that you must be very careful talking about or dealing with because you risk upsetting or offending someone: · Until now both candidates have avoided talking about the touchy subject of health care reform.
informal a political problem that is very difficult for the government to deal with because there is a lot of disagreement about it: · Fortunately for the government, this issue has drawn attention away from the hot potato of funding the London Underground.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The issue has become a political hot potato.
a subject or problem that no one wants to deal with, because it is difficult and any decision might make people angry: The issue has become a political hot potato. The issue has become a political hot potato.