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 prime minister said the show was "at times harrowing" but had "lit a touch paper" under the debate about the issues.
From BBC • Mar. 31, 2025
Their tone appears calm and measured, yet this briefing would light the touch paper for the Cold War’s most dramatic crisis.
From Scientific American • Aug. 6, 2019
It proved the perfect Wimbledon tune-up for McEnroe in 1981 and 1984, the blue touch paper for flame-haired teenager Becker to rampage to Wimbledon glory in 1985.
From Reuters • Jun. 16, 2014
It is not necessary to invoke God to light the blue touch paper and set the universe going.”
From Salon • Aug. 21, 2012
It was held there, for a minute, while the mate struck a light and applied it to the touch paper.
From For Name and Fame Or Through Afghan Passes by Henty, G. A. (George Alfred)
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.
