burning question
Pressing matter unresolved
A burning question is one that demands immediate attention or resolution, often because it's been nagging at someone or because the answer matters urgently.
The burning suggests intensity—the question won't let you rest until addressed.
The burning question on everyone's mind was whether layoffs were coming.
It can also describe a topic of widespread public interest or debate.
- topicSubject of discussion
- hot topicWidely debated current subject
- concernTroubled interest in something
- hot potatoRisky topic avoided
- issuePoint of contention
matter · thorny issue · query · subject · pressing matter · problem · talk of the town · controversy · priority · crisis · urgency · curiosity · nagging doubt · fervor · zeal · elephant in the room · point of contention · debate
- fire idiomsplay with fire, fight fire with fire, fan the flames, add fuel to fire, on fire
burning questionnon-issue
Matter of no importance
minor detail · moot point · academic question · afterthought · rhetorical question
burn, burning, burns, burned, burnt, burnable, burner, burners, burnish