touch paper
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of touch paper
First recorded in 1740–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The days ahead will be peppered with captain and player news conferences, a game of cat and mouse with the media trying to elicit controversial comments that could light a blue touch paper.
From BBC
The prime minister said the show was "at times harrowing" but had "lit a touch paper" under the debate about the issues.
From BBC
However history suggests there is plenty of potential for the blue touch paper to be ignited once again.
From BBC
Chasing just 115, the Sussex openers were given licence to play with freedom and Harrison Ward lit the touch paper with six fours in a rapid knock of 27 from 18 balls.
From BBC
England are yet to light the touch paper in this Six Nations, which began with victories over Italy and Wales before defeat in Edinburgh ended their unbeaten start.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
