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一触即発 (いっしょくそくはつ) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
touch-and-go ; explosive ; on the brink
yojijukugo (four-character idiom)
Describes a situation so tense that the slightest trigger could cause an immediate outbreak of conflict or disaster. Often used in political, military, or social contexts.
抗こう 議ぎ デモ は 一いっ 触しょく 即そく 発はつ の 雰ふん 囲い 気き に 包つつ ま れ て い た 。
The protest was filled with an explosive atmosphere.
Kanji 発 departure, discharge, publish Similar words 緊きん 迫ぱく 緊迫 means 'tension' or 'strain', while 一触即発 emphasizes that the tension is so high that a single spark could set it off.
危き 機き 一いっ 髪ぱつ 危機一髪 refers to a narrow escape from danger, whereas 一触即発 describes a precarious situation that has not yet erupted.
Etymology A yojijukugo composed of 一 (one), 触 (touch), 即 (immediately), and 発 (outbreak), literally meaning 'one touch, immediate outbreak'. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it is a modern idiomatic expression.
