lightning rod
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A two-term congressman whose father served for 10 years on Capitol Hill, Collins has been a lightning rod for controversy since arriving in Washington.
From Slate • May 28, 2026
In its 16 years on Wall Street, the electric-vehicle maker has been a lightning rod for shareholder lawsuits and activist calls for Musk’s dismissal.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 22, 2026
Her name was Concha and she was kind of this lightning rod.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026
The ending, which I won’t spoil here, has become a lightning rod of controversy that cannot be destroyed, no matter how much acrimonious electricity it attracts.
From Salon • Feb. 23, 2026
Mama, however, with her loud voice and take-no-lip approach, was their lightning rod.
From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover
