touch off
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.
"If the Cuban economy and social order collapses, it would actually be a disaster for the United States, because it's likely to touch off a mass migration crisis," the professor said.
From BBC • May 16, 2026
What she couldn’t have realized on that afternoon in the Dolomites was that her success would touch off a stunning gold rush for the rest of Team USA.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026
Still, Powell isn’t likely to signal that a pause in rate increases will occur anytime soon, out of concern that such a message could touch off rallies in stocks and bonds.
From Seattle Times • Jan. 31, 2023
Though lightning bolts can readily touch off fires in the dry season, they do not pose as great a threat now because the storms have also soaked the landscape with huge amounts of rain.
From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2023
Frustration over the lack of progress in housing and employment issues kept tensions high in Durham, with only a spark needed to touch off an explosion.
From "The Best of Enemies" by Osha Gray Davidson
