tar baby

or tarbaby

noun

1. a situation, problem, or the like, that is almost impossible to solve or to break away from.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tar baby¹

After the tar doll used to trap Brer Rabbit in an Uncle Remus story (1881) of Joel Chandler Harris

Example Sentences

In any case, Mofaz appears to have hit the tar-baby between the eyes.

From The Daily Beast

I felt awfully foolish but I borrowed my policy from the Tar Baby "an' kep' on sayin' nothin'."

From Project Gutenberg

Our two Visayan forms are of particular interest in that they make use of the “Tar Baby” device to catch the monkey.

From Project Gutenberg

I'll say that old tar-baby certainly is got something in his head besides sockets for his teeth to set in.

From Project Gutenberg

When he reached the well he spoke to the tar baby; it did not answer.

From Project Gutenberg

When you come to glance at the tale you will recollect it—it is as common and familiar as the Tar Baby.

From Project Gutenberg