third rail
noun
1
: a metal rail through which electric current is led to the motors of an electric vehicle (such as a subway car)
2
: a controversial issue usually avoided by politicians
Examples of third rail in a Sentence
Social Security is the third rail of American politics.
Recent Examples on the Web
Medicare trustees have sounded the alarm on the Hospital Trust Fund for years, though the warnings have mostly been ignored by Congress, as lawmakers view Medicare reforms as a political third rail.
—
Aris Folley, The Hill, 18 June 2025
The two Tennessee administrators had just stepped on the third rail of college sports.
—Seth Emerson, New York Times, 29 May 2025
President Rob Free said, after damage to the third rail was discovered following Amtrak work.
—Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025
Changes to Medicaid have proven contentious, and Medicare is often considered a political third rail.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for third rail
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Aris Folley, The Hill, 18 June 2025
The two Tennessee administrators had just stepped on the third rail of college sports.
—Seth Emerson, New York Times, 29 May 2025
President Rob Free said, after damage to the third rail was discovered following Amtrak work.
—Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 7 May 2025
Changes to Medicaid have proven contentious, and Medicare is often considered a political third rail.
—Joseph Choi, The Hill, 5 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for third rail
Cite this Entry
“Third rail.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third%20rail. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.
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