gutless clause
n.— «Using a seldom used procedure (called for a lack of a better term—the gutless clause), a motion was made to “table” the bill just prior to crossover. The procedure did not allow for a debate or vote on the bill and allowed the bill to “die on the table” (which some might say was a bit ironic for a pro-life bill).» —“Wanzek bill raises serious questions” by Tom J. Tracy in Jamestown In-Forum (Fargo, North Dakota) Apr. 19, 2007. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
Brian from Mandan, North Dakota, is puzzling over one of her mother’s sayings. If someone left quickly or abruptly, she’d say that they took off like a ruptured duck. There’s a famous World War II-era military discharge emblem featuring an eagle...
In 1916, a small-town newspaper in Pennsylvania printed a fanciful item about a local gathering with a guest list that included, among others, Miss Ella Vader, Mr. Ray Zor, and other punny names. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of...