Idiom – A Hot Potato

A Hot Potato – Idiom of the Day

Meaning:

A situation which is very difficult to deal with or a very complicated circumstance.

History: 

It originated in the 1800s from an older expression “drop like a hot potato” which means to disown something. As when the potato is baked or boiled it retains water and heat inside it. Hence it is advisable that hot potatoes should be handled cautiously.

Example:

1. Gender equality is still a hot potato in many parts of the world.
2. Election rallies are becoming a hot potato for citizens as it badly affects the flow of the traffic.
3. “I was not expecting this hot potato.”
4. The issue of employment is becoming a hot potato for the government.
5. COVID is causing a great deal of problems to many people, it is a hot potato at present.
6. According to the receptionist, the position of the company is a hot potato nowadays.
7. The employee because of his remark has landed himself with something of a hot potato recently.
8. We all know that talking about politics is a kind of hot potato nowadays.
9. I prefer not to discuss anyone’s religious beliefs. It can be a hot potato.

Scenario:

Rita: Hello Neil

Neil: Hello Rita. What is the matter? You look worried.

Rita: Yes I am. I have lost my job due to COVID and I am the single earning member of the family.

Neil: Oh! So sorry to hear about that Rita, but it appears that it is turning into a hot potato for you.