touchpaper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal (literal), Figurative (formal or journalistic)
Quick answer
What does “touchpaper” mean?
A strip of paper impregnated with chemicals, historically used to ignite a fuse, especially for fireworks or explosives.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strip of paper impregnated with chemicals, historically used to ignite a fuse, especially for fireworks or explosives.
A metaphorical catalyst or trigger for a sudden and intense reaction, conflict, or series of events.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The literal object is known in both varieties, but the idiom "light the touchpaper" is significantly more common in British English.
Connotations
British usage often carries a dramatic or explosive connotation in figurative contexts. American English may more commonly use synonyms like "spark" or "ignite" metaphorically.
Frequency
Figurative use is low-frequency in both, but higher in UK journalism/political commentary. Almost non-existent in casual US speech.
Grammar
How to Use “touchpaper” in a Sentence
Noun + of + [event/catalyst] (the touchpaper of revolution)Verb (light/ignite) + the + touchpaper + (and + [result])Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “touchpaper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The touchpaper moment had arrived.
- A touchpaper issue.
American English
- A touchpaper incident sparked the protests.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The leaked memo could light the touchpaper for a shareholder revolt.'
Academic
Rare in formal writing, may appear in historical texts on pyrotechnics or figurative use in political science.
Everyday
Very rare. Most likely encountered in news reports.
Technical
Specific to historical pyrotechnics or special effects industries.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “touchpaper”
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “touchpaper”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'It touchpapered the riots' - incorrect).
- Spelling as two separate words ('touch paper') in the idiomatic/noun sense is often acceptable, but 'touchpaper' as a single compound noun is standard for the figurative object.
- Overusing the term in non-explosive, mild contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically written as one word ('touchpaper'), especially when used figuratively as a noun. The separate form 'touch paper' is also seen, particularly in the literal instruction 'light the touch paper'.
It is a low-frequency, somewhat literary or journalistic term. In everyday speech, simpler words like 'spark', 'trigger', or 'start' are more common and natural.
It originates from the world of pyrotechnics (fireworks, explosives). A 'touchpaper' was a paper strip treated with a substance like saltpetre (potassium nitrate) that would burn slowly and steadily to ignite the main charge.
Yes, this is a common extension of the idiom, directly borrowed from safety warnings on fireworks. It emphasises that the action is likely to cause a dangerous or uncontrollable reaction, so one should prepare for consequences.
A strip of paper impregnated with chemicals, historically used to ignite a fuse, especially for fireworks or explosives.
Touchpaper is usually formal (literal), figurative (formal or journalistic) in register.
Touchpaper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʌtʃˌpeɪpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʌtʃˌpeɪpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “light the touchpaper (and stand well back)”
- “the touchpaper is lit”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a FIREWORK with a paper fuse (the TOUCHPAPER). Touching it with a flame lights it, causing a sudden, loud, bright EXPLOSION. So, a 'touchpaper issue' is one that causes a sudden, explosive reaction.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONFLICT/REACTION IS AN EXPLOSION. THE CAUSE IS A FUSE/Ignition source.
Practice
Quiz
In its most common modern usage, 'touchpaper' is best understood as: