Definition
导火索 (dǎo huǒ suǒ) literally means 'fuse (for explosives)' and is used figuratively for the direct cause or trigger of a conflict or incident. Unlike 火花 (huǒ huā), which refers to a spark (literal or figurative flash of inspiration/emotion), 导火索 emphasizes being the immediate cause that sets off a larger event. As a noun, it contrasts with the verb 引发 (yǐn fā) 'to trigger'.
noun
fuse (for explosives)(figurative) sparktriggerdirect cause (of a conflict or incident)
Examples
- 导火索，。Qǐng xiǎoxīn zhè gēn dǎo huǒ suǒ, tā mǎshàng jiù yào shāo wán le.Please be careful with this fuse; it's about to burn out.
- 导火索。Zhè jiàn shì chéng le liǎng guó chōngtū de dǎo huǒ suǒ.This incident became the spark of the conflict between the two countries.
- 导火索。Tā de yánlùn chéng le yǐnfā kàngyì de dǎo huǒ suǒ.His remarks became the trigger that ignited the protests.
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