Political football Meaning in English
expression
Definition
A situation or issue that politicians argue about or use for their own advantage, repeatedly tossing it back and forth, instead of solving it.
Usage & Nuances
Used figuratively, not about actual sports. Common in political or news discussion, often with negative tone, implying irresponsibility. Collocates with 'become a political football', 'tossed around like a political football'. Rare outside politics.
Example Sentences
The issue of healthcare reform has become a political football.
basic
Education funding is often treated as a political football during elections.
basic
The debate over immigration has turned into a political football.
basic
When budgets are tight, public transportation becomes a political football every year.
natural
Don't let climate change turn into just another political football.
natural
The mayor complained that the park project had become a political football, delayed by endless arguments.
natural