острый вопрос – English translation

critical problem; critical question; vexed point; acute problem (Artjaazz); cutting issue; burning issue (vogeler); topical issue (bigmaxus); thorny issue (A needle exchange next to an elementary school and a new halfway house in an upper-class neighbourhood were just two of the thorny issues raised during the debates. ART Vancouver)

Игорь Миг

urgent problem; sticking point; hot potato

adv.

piercing question (на интервью, пресс-конференции и т.д.); poser (на интервью, пресс-конференции и т.д.)

cliche.

contentious issue (There should definitely be public consultation on this. Mr. Sager and Council, please don't alienate your constituents. This is a very contentious issue and should NOT be passed without proper public input. (nsnews.com) ART Vancouver)

dipl.

pointed question (Alex_Odeychuk)

energ.ind.

poignant question

third rail (Taras)

media.

sharp question (bigmaxus)

mil.

sensitive issue

polit.

burning question (ssn); thorny question (ssn)

rhetor.