A political football Meaning in English
expression
Definition
An issue or topic that is used by politicians or parties to gain advantage or blame each other, rather than to solve the problem itself.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal, often critical idiom. Used mostly in politics or media to criticize when a real issue is treated as a tool for arguments rather than being solved. Common collocations: 'turn/make into a political football', 'used as a political football'. Not used for minor topics.
Example Sentences
Healthcare has become a political football in this election.
basic
The new law turned into a political football between the two parties.
basic
Education funding shouldn’t be a political football.
basic
They keep tossing immigration back and forth like a political football.
natural
Don’t let climate change become a political football—we need real action.
natural
Every time there’s an election, taxes become a political football again.
natural