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
But that doesn’t make the subject any less the third rail for nearly everybody in the SNL orbit.
—
Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
Goalie interference is the third rail of the NHL, the most gray area the league has to judge — just look at the end of the second period, when Anders Lee’s goal was upheld on a Columbus challenge after some jostling with Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
—Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
There are billions of dollars in potential savings from MA changes, but the program is a political third rail given the influence of insurers and the perils of igniting attacks about cutting Medicare.
—Peter Sullivan, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025
Reducing tangible benefits — beyond mere waste and fraud — risks touching a political third rail.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for third rail
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Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 16 Apr. 2025
Goalie interference is the third rail of the NHL, the most gray area the league has to judge — just look at the end of the second period, when Anders Lee’s goal was upheld on a Columbus challenge after some jostling with Blue Jackets goalie Elvis Merzlikins.
—Arthur Staple, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
There are billions of dollars in potential savings from MA changes, but the program is a political third rail given the influence of insurers and the perils of igniting attacks about cutting Medicare.
—Peter Sullivan, Axios, 20 Mar. 2025
Reducing tangible benefits — beyond mere waste and fraud — risks touching a political third rail.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 11 Mar. 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 1 May. 2025.
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