Dictionary definition of “snooker clause”

snooker clause

n. an (undebated) provision or rider covertly attached to legislation, or such legislation itself. Also snooker bill. Subjects: English, United States, Politics

Etymological Note: From snooker ‘to place in an impossible position; to stymie,’ from tactics used in the billiards-like sport of the same name.

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Citations: 1975 Francis X. Clines New York Times (Feb. 18) “Judgeship Battle at Hand For Albany Democrats” p. 21: This is a “snooker” clause—Albany parlance for a deceitful contrivance—according to Assemblymen Edward H. Lehner of Manhattant and G. Oliver Koppell of the Bronx. 1996 PR Newswire (Mar. 5) “Support Of Veto Override Is A Matter Of Principle” (in Tallahassee, Fla.): Widely known as the “snooker bill,” the law was snuck past legislators in the closing hours of the 1994 session. 2004 New York Times (Nov. 24) “Snookering the Taxpayers” p. A22: It is called a “snooker clause” in legislative parlance—a last-minute insert into a dense and hurried midnight bill that, if ever disclosed after passage, always leaves legislators shocked, shocked at how such an undemocratic bit of mischief ever came to be.

Posted 26 Nov 04 | Permalink | Tell a Friend