papa caliente
/papa kaljente/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for the English idiom 'hot potato' is papa caliente.
This phrase is used metaphorically to describe an awkward, delicate or difficult problem.
Meaning: awkward or delicate problem (noun)
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word papa for 'potato' is a homonym for the word papa meaning 'Pope'. This happens because they come from two entirely different languages, Quechua and Latin.
- While 'papa caliente' is a common metaphor for a problem, the word 'caliente' is often used more aggressively or sexually in Spanish than 'hot' is in English.
- Spanish has three distinct origins for the word papa, including one from Latin meaning 'food' used specifically when talking to children.
Examples in context
- Este tema es como una patata calienteThis topic is like a hot potato
- La elección del lugar es una papa calienteChoosing the venue is a hot potato
- Ese asunto es una papa caliente para el jefe.That matter is a hot potato for the boss.
- Nadie quiere tocar esa papa caliente ahora.Nobody wants to touch that hot potato right now.
- La crisis política es una papa caliente.The political crisis is a hot potato.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing a difficult decision at work.
- Elena¿Vas a hablar con el director sobre el error?Are you going to talk to the director about the error?
- JavierNo, esa decisión es una papa caliente.No, that decision is a hot potato.
- ElenaTienes razón, Javier, es un problema muy delicado.You're right, Javier, it is a very delicate problem.
- JavierEs mejor esperar a que se calme todo.It is better to wait until everything calms down.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caliente, papa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
