force the issue

phrase

: to force someone to do something or to make a decision about something

They would never have addressed the problem if that newspaper article hadn't forced the issue.

Examples of force the issue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His elite fastball could force the issue for a team that already has a 24-year-old shortstop leading the club in home runs in Colson Montgomery and two rising catchers in Kyle Teal, 24, and Edgar Quero, 23. — Chuck Murr, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Using the state Municipal Home Rule Sections 36 and 37, Unite NY will force the issue and succeed in a referendum even if Mastro loses in court. — New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 6 July 2026

And Towns isn’t going to force the issue. — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 11 Apr. 2026

The judge in the case did not force the issue, agreeing with Leiweke’s attorneys who said that trying to compel Leiweke to be deposed in the Live Nation case while facing criminal prosecution by the Justice Department violated his rights. — Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 19 Mar. 2026

Rhymes for force the issue

• reissue