hospital pass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. While it originated in sports like rugby and football, it is now commonly used as a metaphor in business, politics, and everyday situations to describe passing on a problematic task or responsibility.

Yes, though less common. It can be used informally (e.g., 'He hospital-passed the problem to me'), primarily in British English. This is a back-formation from the noun.

They are very similar metaphors. A 'hospital pass' emphasizes the immediate, potentially injurious danger to the recipient. A 'poisoned chalice' often implies a reward or honour that is secretly damaging, with consequences that may unfold more slowly.

It can be considered mildly insensitive as it makes light of serious injury. It is best used in informal contexts where the hyperbolic humour is understood, and avoided in formal or medical settings.

In sports (chiefly rugby, football/soccer), a dangerous or poorly executed pass to a teammate that leaves them vulnerable to a heavy tackle or injury.

Hospital pass is usually colloquial, informal; primarily journalistic and conversational. used as a metaphor in business/politics. in register.

Hospital pass: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒspɪtl ˌpɑːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːspɪtl ˌpæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.