a hot potato
hot potato
A sensitive situation or controversial issue that is difficult to handle and thus gets passed from one person to the next (like a potato that is too hot to hold). The political candidate knew the issue was a hot potato, so he deferred to his chief of staff, who directed questions to the committee chairperson.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
a hot potato
COMMON If a subject or problem is a hot potato, it is very difficult to deal with, especially because it is something that people argue about a lot. When she is faced with a political hot potato such tightening the gun laws, she is not afraid to give her opinion. Pricing policy is another hot potato.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
a hot poˈtato
(informal) a very sensitive matter that is difficult or embarrassing to deal with: His resignation is a political hot potato.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017