English Dictionary

third rail

名詞

広義

The electrified rail that runs beside or between train tracks to power electric trains. / (by extension) Anything that is dangerous to come into contact with, or is best avoided.

日本語の意味

鉄道の電車に電力を供給するために、線路の隣または間に設置された電化された軌条。 / （比喩的に）接触すると危険で、避けるべき対象のこと。

The conductor cautioned us to stay behind the yellow line and never touch the third rail, which carries high voltage.

車掌は私たちに黄線の内側に下がり、高電圧を通す第三軌条には決して触らないように注意しました。

意味（1）

The electrified rail that runs beside or between train tracks to power electric trains.

The locomotive third-rail pick up shoes are of the new standard S.R. type. … Whenever the locomotive was working hard there was unmistakable evidence of its higher power than its predecessors in the brilliant and explosive arcing between conductor shoes and the third rail; this was particularly vivid in Quarry Tunnel in the down direction, where the display equalled anything we have seen on the frostiest of nights in an electrified third-rail area.

意味（2）

(by extension) Anything that is dangerous to come into contact with, or is best avoided.

Today's rapidly developing third rail (at least in some states) is supporting driver's licenses for illegal immigrants, as favored by New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

third rails （ plural ）