C1idiompoliticsIELTS-friendly
a witch hunt
USUK
an unfair campaign to find and punish people that those in power disapprove of
Strongly critical. Politicians often use it about investigations into themselves. Also written 'witch-hunt'.
In context
The opposition called the investigation a witch hunt against its leaders.
After the leak, the manager started a witch hunt to find who had talked to the press.
More idioms about politics
- a double standarda rule applied more strictly to one group than to another
- a grey areaa situation where the rules are unclear, so nobody is sure what is allowed
- a hidden agendaa secret reason or plan behind what someone says or does
- a hot potatoa difficult issue that people disagree about and nobody wants to deal with
- a lame ducka politician or government with little real power, often near the end of a term in office