touch off

1. (idiomatic, transitive)To start (something); to set off traps; especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed.

   Be cautious talking about religion or politics, lest you touch off an argument.

   auslösen

2. (idiomatic, transitive)To cause a fire to start.

   A spark touched off the conflagration.

3. To establish a reference coordinate or datum, by moving the tool head to just touch the workpiece or machine bed.

   A traditional method of touching off uses a piece of thin paper placed between the tool and workpiece.

1. Tom's remarks touched off a violent argument.

   ruЗамечания Тома вызвали горячий спор.

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2. The managing director's resignation is certain to touch off a fierce but gentlemanly succession struggle.

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irregular

• touch upпестити, гладитиTo make slight corrections or adjustments to; to fill in or perfect.
• touch onдорівнювати, отямитисяTo mention briefly; to cursorily discuss.
• touch offTo start (something); to set off traps; especially used for unstable situations that may magnify if disturbed.
• touch outTo conclude an electronic ticketing process at the end of a public transport journey by holding a chipcard or a mobile device close to a terminal or reader
• touch inTo initiate an electronic ticketing process at the start of a public transport journey by holding a chipcard or a mobile device close to a terminal or reader
• touch downTo land an aircraft or spacecraft.