How Do You Spell DROP LIKE A HOT POTATO?

Pronunciation: [dɹˈɒp lˈa͡ɪk ɐ hˈɒt pətˈe͡ɪtə͡ʊ] (IPA)

The commonly-used phrase "drop like a hot potato" refers to a sudden and immediate abandonment of something. The word "potato" is pronounced as /pəˈteɪtəʊ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. While the spelling of the word may seem straightforward, it's worth noting that there are regional variations in pronunciation. In some parts of the UK, for example, the word is pronounced with a short "o" sound (/pəˈtɑːtəʊ/), while in North America, the emphasis is placed on the second syllable of the word (/pəˈteɪdoʊ/).

DROP LIKE A HOT POTATO Meaning and Definition

  1. The phrase "drop like a hot potato" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the swift and immediate abandonment or rejection of something or someone, often due to its unpleasant, undesirable, or controversial nature. It emphasizes the suddenness and absolute disdain with which the subject is discarded.

    This phrase is derived from the instinctual reaction of reflexively dropping a hot baked potato upon touching it, so as to avoid burning oneself. When used metaphorically, it suggests that individuals are eager to distance themselves from a particular person or a problematic situation, just as they would spontaneously drop a scorching hot object to avoid harm.

    The phrase usually implies that the subject is socially or professionally detrimental, morally objectionable, or poses a significant risk. The intensity of the phrase indicates a strong desire to disassociate oneself or cut ties with the mentioned entity, treating it as toxic or dangerous.

    The concept behind "drop like a hot potato" revolves around the notion of self-preservation and immediate rejection of anything that could potentially cause harm or damage reputation. Hence, the phrase vividly depicts the speed and fervor with which individuals discard or distance themselves from undesirable elements in their lives, much like rapidly abandoning a hot potato to prevent injury.

Common Misspellings for DROP LIKE A HOT POTATO

  • srop like a hot potato
  • xrop like a hot potato
  • crop like a hot potato
  • frop like a hot potato
  • rrop like a hot potato
  • erop like a hot potato
  • deop like a hot potato
  • ddop like a hot potato
  • dfop like a hot potato
  • dtop like a hot potato
  • d5op like a hot potato
  • d4op like a hot potato
  • drip like a hot potato
  • drkp like a hot potato
  • drlp like a hot potato
  • drpp like a hot potato
  • dr0p like a hot potato
  • dr9p like a hot potato
  • droo like a hot potato
  • drol like a hot potato

Idioms with the word DROP LIKE A HOT POTATO

  • drop like a hot potato To drop something like a hot potato means to quickly and decisively get rid of or disassociate oneself from something or someone that is causing trouble or is no longer desirable. It implies a sudden and hasty abandonment or rejection of something.