DROPPING LIKE A HOT POTATO Meaning and
Definition
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"Dropping like a hot potato" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the act of swiftly and eagerly abandoning or disassociating oneself from someone or something that was once valued, supported, or desired but has suddenly become burdensome, controversial, or problematic. This idiom conveys a sense of abruptness, immediacy, and total rejection, implying that the subject being dropped is discarded or forsaken in a hasty and decisive manner, comparable to the reluctance associated with handling a hot potato due to its scalding temperature.
The phrase originated from the literal handling of a hot potato, which is difficult to hold due to its extreme heat and can cause pain or injury if not released quickly. Metaphorically, it suggests that individuals or groups tend to distance themselves from situations or people that have quickly become troublesome or unpopular to avoid being affected by the negative consequences associated with them. Hence, "dropping like a hot potato" reflects an instinctive desire to avoid potential harm or negative repercussions.
This figurative expression is often employed in conversation, literature, and media to emphasize sudden and radical shifts in allegiance or support, emphasizing the idea that individuals are eager to dissociate themselves from someone or something as quickly as possible, disinclined to endure associations which may harm their reputation or well-being.
Common Misspellings for DROPPING LIKE A HOT POTATO
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