Politics is a complex and multifaceted field, filled with intricate maneuvers and strategic plays. Understanding political idioms can help you navigate conversations about governance and power dynamics more effectively. Here are 20 idioms that describe various aspects of politics, complete with their meanings and example sentences.
Idioms That Describe Politics
1. A political hot potato
Meaning: A controversial issue.
Example: The new tax law is a political hot potato.
2. Spin doctor
Meaning: A person who publicizes favorable interpretations.
Example: The candidate’s spin doctor crafted a compelling narrative.
3. Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning: To join a popular trend or activity.
Example: Many politicians jumped on the bandwagon of the new reform.
4. Political football
Meaning: A topic that is used for political gain.
Example: Healthcare has become a political football in elections.
5. Toe the party line
Meaning: To follow the policies of a political party.
Example: He always toes the party line, no matter the issue.
6. Dark horse
Meaning: A candidate who unexpectedly wins.
Example: The mayoral race was won by a dark horse.
7. Red tape
Meaning: Excessive bureaucracy.
Example: The project stalled due to government red tape.
8. Smoke-filled room
Meaning: A place where secret political deals are made.
Example: The policy was decided in a smoke-filled room.
9. Spin one’s wheels
Meaning: To waste time or effort.
Example: The committee spun its wheels discussing the bill.
10. Power behind the throne
Meaning: The person who controls the leader.
Example: She is the real power behind the throne in the party.
11. Politically correct
Meaning: Avoiding language or actions that could offend.
Example: The speech was carefully crafted to be politically correct.
12. Play politics
Meaning: To act for personal political gain.
Example: He is known to play politics to climb the ladder.
13. Pork barrel
Meaning: Government spending for localized projects to win votes.
Example: The senator’s bill was criticized as pork barrel legislation.
14. Grassroots movement
Meaning: A movement driven by the community.
Example: The policy change was spurred by a grassroots movement.
15. Cutthroat politics
Meaning: Very competitive and ruthless political behavior.
Example: The campaign turned into cutthroat politics very quickly.
16. Gerrymandering
Meaning: Manipulating electoral boundaries for advantage.
Example: The district map was accused of gerrymandering.
17. Behind closed doors
Meaning: In secret or private.
Example: The decision was made behind closed doors.
18. On the stump
Meaning: Campaigning for political office.
Example: The candidate is always on the stump during elections.
19. Kingmaker
Meaning: A person who influences the selection of leaders.
Example: The lobbyist acted as a kingmaker in the election.
20. Party line
Meaning: The official policy of a political party.
Example: He always adheres strictly to the party line.