nuclear option
English
editEtymology
editFrom analogy with the political decision to be the first to use nuclear weapons in a war.
Noun
editnuclear option (plural nuclear options)
- (idiomatic) In resolving a problem, the possible course of action that is considered the most extreme because of its collateral consequences.
- 2023 May 15, Charlie Campbell, “The Voting in Thailand’s Election Is Finished, But the Politicking Is Just Beginning”, in Time[2]:
- In a land that has weathered 12 military coups in the past 91 years, the specter of military intervention looms large, though Thitinan calls it a “nuclear option” given the challenges any new junta would face.
- (US politics) A procedure by which the United States Senate can decide any issue with a simple majority, rather than the usual supermajority.