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
As reflected in tonight’s results, Israel is no longer the third rail in American politics—at least in the New York City area.
—
Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
That’s three third rails in American politics in a row.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
Once upon a time, maternal unhappiness seemed like the third rail of cultural discourse, something too dangerous to touch.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
Australia can easily survive the ten percent tariffs levied by the administration, but Trump threatened additional 200 percent tariffs on pharmaceuticals—a third rail in Australian politics—if Australia does not start paying more for U.S.-manufactured drugs.
—Michael J. Green, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for third rail
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Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
That’s three third rails in American politics in a row.
—Bethy Squires, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
Once upon a time, maternal unhappiness seemed like the third rail of cultural discourse, something too dangerous to touch.
—Emma Specter, Vogue, 18 Oct. 2025
Australia can easily survive the ten percent tariffs levied by the administration, but Trump threatened additional 200 percent tariffs on pharmaceuticals—a third rail in Australian politics—if Australia does not start paying more for U.S.-manufactured drugs.
—Michael J. Green, Foreign Affairs, 17 Oct. 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 9 Nov. 2025.
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