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The Third RailThird rail (politics) Third rail (politics) Metaphor for "untouchable" issues The third rail of a nation's politics is a metaphor for any issue so controversial that it is "charged" and "untouchable" to the extent that any politician or public official who dares to broach the subject will invariably suffer politically. The metaphor comes from the high-voltage third rail in some electric railway systems. Third rails used to power trains usually result in the death by electrocution of anyone who comes into direct contact with them. Touching a third rail can result in electrocution, so usage of the metaphor in political situations relates to the risk of "political suicide" that a person would face by raising certain taboo subjects or having… (Source: Wikipedia)
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