Definition
导火线 literally means a 'blasting fuse' — the cord used to set off explosives. Figuratively, it refers to an incident or factor that directly triggers a larger event, especially a conflict or crisis. This metaphor is common in news and historical writing, similar to 'the spark that lit the fuse' in English.
n.
(blasting) fusefuse cord(figurative) triggerdirect causespark that sets off a larger event
Examples
- 导火线。Gōngrén bàopò qián yào jiē hǎo dǎo huǒ xiàn.Workers need to connect the fuse before blasting.
- 导火线。Zhège shìjiàn shì yǐnfā zhànzhēng de dǎo huǒ xiàn.This incident was the fuse that triggered the war.
- 导火线。Zīyuán zhēngduó chéng le zhè chǎng chōngtū de dǎo huǒ xiàn.The dispute over resources became the fuse for the conflict.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.