# 一触即发

yī chù jí fā

Be ready to erupt at the slightest trigger

## Meaning & wording

**Literally:** Explode as soon as touched

**Traditional Chinese:** 一觸即發

**Register:** Warning · general

[Choices & judgment](https://chinese-idioms.yudis.dev/idioms/topics/decisions)

## When to use it

Describe an extremely tense or unstable situation.

Also fits mechanisms, but figurative conflict is common.

## Understanding the expression

A small touch is enough to release force already waiting inside. The expression describes a situation in which tension has accumulated so much that a minor incident could trigger conflict or crisis. It often appears in accounts of disputes or dangerous instability. The trigger need not be important by itself. The surrounding conditions explain the danger, making the phrase more specific than simply saying that two people disagree or feel irritated.

## Examples

双方情绪激动，冲突一触即发。

### Traditional Chinese

雙方情緒激動，衝突一觸即發。

shuāng fāng qíng xù jī dòng ， chōng tū yī chù jí fā 。

Both sides are agitated, and conflict may erupt immediately.

干燥森林中的火险一触即发。

### Traditional Chinese

乾燥森林中的火險一觸即發。

gān zào sēn lín zhōng de huǒ xiǎn yī chù jí fā 。

The dry forest is dangerously close to ignition.

谈判破裂后，局势一触即发。

### Traditional Chinese

談判破裂後，局勢一觸即發。

tán pàn pò liè hòu ， jú shì yī chù jí fā 。

The failed talks left the situation near eruption.

她及时劝开两人，避免一触即发的争吵。

### Traditional Chinese

她及時勸開兩人，避免一觸即發的爭吵。

tā jí shí quàn kāi liǎng rén ， bì miǎn yī chù jí fā de zhēng chǎo 。

She separated them before the imminent argument erupted.

## Sources & reference checks

Original explanations and examples from Chinese Idioms Almanac. Source-checked October 6, 2026.

- [CC-CEDICT · forms & pronunciation](https://www.mdbg.net/chinese/dictionary?page=worddict&wdqb=%E4%B8%80%E8%A7%B8%E5%8D%B3%E7%99%BC)

- [Ministry of Education · 成語典](https://dict.idioms.moe.edu.tw/idiomView.jsp?ID=550&webMd=1&la=0)

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