light the fuse
light the fuse
do something that creates a tense or exciting situation
The image here is of lighting a fuse attached to gunpowder and fireworks in order to cause an explosion.
A touchpaper, which is used in the same way as a fuse, is a twist of paper impregnated with saltpetre to make it burn slowly.
1998 - Times - The rejection of global capitalism may light a touchpaper in all those countries battered by the crisis.
light the fuse :
Idioms Index – Previous Page
Related Links : light the fuse