“Clinker . n. An amendment or rider to a bill that is so out of place that it stands out like a wrong musical note. In November 1973, President Nixon complained about “a couple of clinkers” in the Alaska pipeline bill with which business groups were unhappy. See also joker.  

ETYMOLOGY: The term derives from the Dutch klinker , a vitrified brick that clinks when struck.”  

— From “The Congress Dictionary” by Paul Dickson and Paul Clancy  

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