a hot potato

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hot potato" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a controversial or sensitive issue that is difficult to handle or discuss. Example: "The topic of climate change has become a hot potato in political debates, with many leaders hesitant to address it directly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's a hot potato".

The New York Times

"It's a hot potato," he said.

The New York Times

The painting was a hot potato.

The New York Times - Arts

Legally, however, this was a hot potato.

MIT Technology Review

It doesn't have to be like it's a hot potato.

The New York Times

His arrival presents the British government with a hot potato.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He dropped me like a hot potato," Fairchild says.

The New Yorker

Introducing vouchers, though, would be too much of a hot potato even for him.

The Economist

This is why the accident became such a hot potato after it occurred.

The New York Times

Unofficially, it's understood that they should not send the White House a hot potato.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

So "I knew that paper was a hot potato," she told ScienceInsider.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a hot potato" when you want to convey the sense of urgency and risk associated with a problem. It implies that the issue is not only difficult but also potentially dangerous to handle.

Common error

Don't confuse the idiom's figurative meaning with literal interpretations. The phrase refers to a problematic situation, not actual potatoes at an unsafe temperature.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "a hot potato" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or object. It describes a situation or issue that is controversial and difficult to handle. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hot potato" is a common and effective idiom for describing a sensitive or controversial issue that is difficult to handle. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While versatile, its slightly informal tone makes it more suitable for news articles, general discussions, and less appropriate for formal academic papers. When choosing to use "a hot potato", be mindful of the context and consider alternative expressions like ""a thorny issue"" or ""a delicate matter"" for a more formal approach.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a thorny issue

Emphasizes the complexity and potential for causing trouble.

a delicate matter

Suggests the need for careful handling and sensitivity.

a contentious topic

Highlights the potential for disagreement and conflict.

a tricky situation

Focuses on the difficulty and potential for unexpected problems.

a burning question

Indicates a pressing and urgent issue demanding resolution.

a political football

Suggests that an issue is being used for political gain.

a sensitive subject

Emphasizes the potential to cause emotional distress or offense.

a point of contention

Highlights a specific area of disagreement.

an unresolved problem

Focuses on the lack of a solution and the ongoing nature of the issue.

a headache

Implies that something is causing annoyance and frustration.

FAQs

How can I use "a hot potato" in a sentence?

You can use "a hot potato" to describe an issue that is controversial, sensitive, and difficult to deal with. For example, "The issue of tax reform has become "a hot potato" for the government."

What phrases are similar to "a hot potato"?

Similar phrases include "a thorny issue", "a delicate matter", or "a contentious topic". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a hot potato" appropriate for formal writing?

While "a hot potato" is widely understood, it leans toward informal usage. In formal writing, consider using more neutral alternatives like "a sensitive issue" or "a challenging problem".

What makes an issue "a hot potato"?

An issue becomes "a hot potato" when it is controversial, likely to cause disagreement, and potentially damaging to those who handle it. It's something people prefer to avoid or pass on to someone else.