hospital pass

noun4

1. •
   (UK, Australia) A poorly executed pass to a team-mate, who is likely to lose the ball as a result. (Originally rugby union, where the recipient of a hospital pass is a sitting duck for a hard tackle.)

   • His first touch was horrid – a hospital pass to Juliano Belletti – but from that moment on his eye-catching football was wonderful to witness. — 2009
2. •
   a promotion or delegation which is likely to end in failure or ignominy; a poisoned chalice
3. •
   A throw that stays in the air long enough that it allows too many people to get underneath it, increasing the risk of injury and a trip to the hospital.
4. •
   A pass (for schools, military, etc.) exempting one from regular activities, to instead visit a hospital for treatment