# touch off

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/touch-off
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To start (something); to set off traps; especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed.

## Examples

- Careless words can touch off a big argument.
- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.