To cause something, especially a conflict or strong reaction, to begin, often unexpectedly.
To start or cause something big to happen, usually with a small action.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To cause a large-scale event, conflict, or reaction to begin, often through a small or unexpected action.
"The assassination of the duke touched off a conflict that engulfed the entire continent."
It was the shot that touched off the Great War.
To fire or ignite a weapon or explosive by touching the trigger or fuse.
"The soldier touched off the flare to signal their position."
To touch the fuse of an explosive to set it off.
To start or cause something big to happen, usually with a small action.
Often used to describe the starting of a serious conflict, riot, debate, or chain of events. The triggering action is typically small or unexpected compared to the scale of what follows. Common in journalism and historical writing. Derived from the action of touching a flame to a fuse.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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