Controversy

sacred cow

Meaning: something that people believe or accept as true without questioning it.

Example: The journalist esteemed too many sacred cows. Read on

at cross purposes

Meaning: With aims or goals that conflict or interfere with one another.

Example: It will be difficult for us to be successful if we continue working at cross-purposes. Read on

tempest in a teapot

Meaning: when a minor issue causes an exaggerated reaction of anger or trouble

Example: At first, I thought we were having a general discussion, but it ended setting off a tempest in the teapot. Read on

storm in a teacup

Meaning: an excessive enthusiasm or rage about a minor matter

Example: I find the whole issue about these gender roles a storm in a teacup. Read on

a hard nut to crack

Meaning: a problem that is difficult to solve

Example: She's such a tough nut to crack. Nobody seems to be able to get through to her. Read on

hot potato

Meaning: any subject which several folks are talking about and which is frequently argued

Example: The issue of gun control is a political hot potato in the United States. Read on

dog eat dog

Meaning: a very competitive world

Example: The only rule of the marketplace was dog-eat-dog. Read on

can of worms

Meaning: to get into something that is messy, has problems and is unwanted

Example: The can of worms was wide open when he asked her about her past. Read on

apple of discord

Meaning: something that causes trouble or unhappiness

Example: The right to host the next Olympic games has become an apple of discord between the two countries. Read on