| 释义 |
third rail
third railn.1. The rail that supplies the high voltage to power a train on an electric railway.2. A subject that tends to be avoided because of its offensive or controversial nature: "Social Security, the 'third rail' of American politics" (Charles Stein).third rail n 1. (Railways) an extra rail from which an electric train picks up current by means of a sliding collector to feed power to its motors 2. politics a. a cause or topic that is considered extremely dangerous for a person to support or comment onb. (as modifier): a third-rail issue. third′ rail′
n. a rail in an electrified railroad that provides current to a car or locomotive. [1865–70, Amer.] Thesaurus| Noun | 1. | third rail - a rail through which electric current is supplied to an electric locomotiverails, runway, rail, track - a bar or pair of parallel bars of rolled steel making the railway along which railroad cars or other vehicles can roll |
Translationsthird rail
third railAn issue or topic that is so controversial that it would immediately damage or destroy one's political career or credibility. An allusion to the electrified rail that powers electric railway systems, its figurative sense is almost exclusively used in relation to politics. Primarily heard in US. I wouldn't even bring it up—trying to withdraw people's social security benefits has long been the third rail of politics. Any talk of dismantling or reforming the current healthcare system has been a political third rail for the last two decades or so.See also: rail, thirdthird railSomething that is dangerous to tamper with, as in Anything concerning veterans is a political third rail. This term alludes to the rail that supplies the high voltage powering an electric train, so called since 1918. On the other hand, grab hold of the third rail means "become energized." Both shifts from the original meaning date from the late 1900s. See also: rail, thirdthird rail
third rail[′thərd ′rāl] (civil engineering) The electrified metal rail which carries current to the motor of an electric locomotive or other railway car. third rail
Words related to third railnoun a rail through which electric current is supplied to an electric locomotiveRelated Words |