third rail
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.
The union has long viewed a salary cap as a third rail.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026
Lehotsky argued plainly that “It’s the constitutional third rail, or it should be, for the government to insist it can engage in viewpoint discrimination.”
From Salon • Jul. 28, 2025
While we’re making the show and while Dan and the writers are putting it together, there’s sort of this invisible third rail.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 15, 2025
“It’s director Colin Trevorrow taught me something called the third rail, which is the rail on a subway system that will shock you. He told me, ‘Goofball is your third rail.
From Seattle Times • May 24, 2024
“Don’t you know about the third rail? Fry you up.”
From "Clayton Byrd Goes Underground" by Rita Williams-Garcia
