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a political football

an issue argued over for political gain

In Headline Expressions

In more detail

(idiom) an issue or problem that is used by different political groups for their own advantage, rather than being solved in a genuine way

Examples

• Healthcare has become a political football, with each party blaming the other instead of working together to improve it.

How to use a political football

This idiom describes an issue that politicians exploit for partisan gain rather than seeking genuine solutions. It suggests the problem is bandied about cynically, with each side using it to score points against opponents. The term carries negative connotations, implying dishonesty and lack of serious intent.

Common phrases

• become a political football
• treat something as a political football
• turn into a political football
• make something a political football
• caught up in political football

Synonyms

political pawn · political tool · political weapon · political ploy · bargaining chip

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse this with simply 'a divisive political issue,' but a political football specifically implies opportunistic manipulation rather than genuine disagreement.

Nearby in Headline Expressions

turn the tide, on the chopping block, a lightning rod, a silver lining, stem the tide, a dark horse

Keep going

How to remember the words you read · Spaced repetition, explained