force the issue
idiom
: 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
The blame falls squarely on Ortegas, who intentionally sped up enough to force the issue by allowing the Klingons to spot the Federation ship.
—
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 July 2025
But how much will Seiler force the issue with the Dolphins?
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
In reality, there is a long climb ahead to force the issue inside the Capitol.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 21 July 2025
Khanna described growing support for a discharge petition that would force the issue to the House floor.
—Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 23 July 2025
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Keith Phipps, Vulture, 31 July 2025
But how much will Seiler force the issue with the Dolphins?
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 24 July 2025
In reality, there is a long climb ahead to force the issue inside the Capitol.
—John Parkinson, ABC News, 21 July 2025
Khanna described growing support for a discharge petition that would force the issue to the House floor.
—Sacha Pfeiffer, NPR, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for force the issue
Cite this Entry
“Force the issue.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/force%20the%20issue. Accessed 22 Aug. 2025.
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