If you describe a problem or issue as a hot potato, you mean that it is very difficult and nobody wants to deal with it.
[informal]
hot potato
phrase
You can refer to a difficult subject that people disagree on as a hot potato.
...a political hot potato such as abortion.
See full dictionary entry for potato
hot potato in British English
noun
slang
an awkward or delicate matter
hot potato in British English
slang
a delicate or awkward matter
See full dictionary entry for potato
hot potato in American English
US, Informal
a troubling or seemingly insoluble problem, issue, etc. that no one wants to handle
Examples of 'hot potato' in a sentence
hot potato
Foreign aid is now a huge political hot potato.
The Sun (2017)
It's still a political hot potato.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
This political hot potato will only get hotter.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This has made the drive against cocaine trafficking a political hot potato.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The issue has already become a political hot potato.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Tax has become a political hot potato.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Such sums are surely now unrealistic in a time when energy prices are a political hot potato.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Migration is a political hot potato rarely out of the news.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Serve the hot potatoes and cold guacamole with a dollop of crème fraîche.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There is also a consensus that the Government will not make any changes to inheritance tax because this is such a political hot potato.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
THIS week's political hot potato has been benefits.
The Sun (2013)
But, like it or not, food is a political hot potato.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Alcohol may be a political hot potato, but the Government ignores the industry at its peril.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
If he is held beyond his term, the case will become a political hot potato for the incoming Administration.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The plan could help to resolve the'digital divide' issue that has proved a political hot potato in recent years.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Inheritance tax A political hot potato that brought in 2.2 billion.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
COUNCIL tax is a political hot potato, so it's no surprise that ministers fear getting mashed.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Another political hot potato will be the margins they make on lending, and whether an improvement implies a reduction in loans to small and medium-sized businesses.