Vocab Bloom Hub

third rail

/ˈθɜːrd reɪl/

1 entry

phrase

/ˈθɜːrd reɪl/C1informalamericanpolitical
  • ruТермин, обозначающий опасную или спорную тему, которую лучше избегать в обсуждении, происходящий от электрифицированного рельса, используемого для питания поездов метро. Также может буквально относиться к электрифицированному рельсу в железнодорожной системе.

A term referring to a dangerous or controversial issue that is best avoided in discussion, derived from the electrified rail used to power subway trains. It can also literally refer to the electrified rail in a railway system.

  1. B2formal

    A metal rail that supplies electricity to trains, typically found in subway or electric railway systems.

    ruКонтактный рельс

    • The train draws power from the third rail.
    • Workers are repairing the third rail on the subway line.
    • Touching the third rail can be extremely dangerous.
  2. Taboo or sensitive topicC1informalamerican

    A subject or issue that is considered too controversial or risky to discuss openly, especially in politics.

    ruТабу или чувствительная тема

    • Tax reform is often called the third rail of American politics.
    • Mentioning that policy is like touching the third rail in this debate.
    • He avoided the topic entirely, knowing it was a political third rail.