touch paper

noun

1. paper saturated with potassium nitrate to make it burn slowly, used for igniting explosives and fireworks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of touch paper¹

First recorded in 1740–50

Example Sentences

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.

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The prime minister said the show was "at times harrowing" but had "lit a touch paper" under the debate about the issues.

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However history suggests there is plenty of potential for the blue touch paper to be ignited once again.

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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.

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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.

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