political football
(redirected from political-footballs)political football
A problem or situation that causes an argument between different political parties, often in an attempt to gain an advantage. It didn't take too long before the issue of property taxes turned into a political football for the candidates.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
political football
Fig. an issue that becomes politically divisive; a problem that doesn't get solved because the politics of the issue get in the way. The question of campaign contributions has become a political football. All the politicians who accept questionable money are pointing fingers at each other.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
a poˌlitical ˈfootball
an issue or a problem that causes argument and disagreement and that different political groups use to gain votes: It is sad that education is still being used as a political football, instead of action being taken to improve it.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
- get into an argument
- get into an argument about (someone or something)
- get into an argument about (someone or something) with (someone)
- get into an argument over (someone or something)
- get into an argument over (someone or something) with (someone)
- get into an argument with (someone) about (someone or something)
- sledgehammer
- sledgehammer argument
- argue the point
- bring (something) full circle