Careless words can touch off a big argument.
touch off
idiomTo start (something); to set off traps; especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed.
The new tax law touched off a series of protests across the entire country.
The sudden resignation of the prime minister touched off a period of intense political instability that lasted for several months.
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common touch
The personal quality of showing understanding of and sympathy for the concerns of ordinary people; rapport with and acceptance by ordinary people, usually in a celebrity or leader.
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everything one touches turns to gold
Everything someone uses or does succeeds or becomes better.
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everything one touches turns to shit
Everything someone uses or does fails or becomes worse.
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golden touch
Synonym of Midas touch (“the ability to achieve financial reward (or, more generally, success) easily and consistently”).
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human touch
The ability of a person to deal with others in a personable and empathetic way.
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kick into touch
To evade an issue; to stop from happening.
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lose one's touch
To lose one's special mastery of or knack for a particular skill or activity.
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lose touch
To lose contact (with).
Last updated April 17, 2026