口火
Meanings
1
fuse; pilot light
Literal use: a small flame that ignites a larger fire, such as a pilot light in a gas appliance or a fuse for fireworks.
The pilot light on the gas stove had gone out.
Light the fuse of the firework.
2
Figurative use: the initial event or remark that sets off a larger conflict, argument, or movement. Often used in the phrase 口火を切る (to start something, to break the ice).
That small clash became the trigger for the war.
His remark sparked the debate.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉に口火をつけるto light the pilot light/fuse of something
I lit the pilot light of the gas stove.
- 〈事〉の口火となるto become the spark that triggers something
His remark became the spark for a heated debate.
Expressions
- 口火を切るstart a debate; get the ball rolling; fire the first shot; start a conversation