火ひをつける

expression, ichidan verb

ignite; set fire to

Literal act of lighting something on fire, such as a candle, stove, or building.

• 彼かれはマッチでろうそくに火ひをつけた。

  He lit the candle with a match.

• 放ほう火か犯はんが倉そう庫こに火ひをつけた。

  The arsonist set fire to the warehouse.

expression, ichidan verb

spark; inflame; trigger

Figurative use: to cause a conflict, controversy, or strong emotion to erupt. Often used with nouns like 論争 (controversy) or 感情 (emotions).

• 彼かれの一ひと言ことが大だい論ろん争そうに火ひをつけた。

  His single remark sparked a huge controversy.

• その事じ件けんは国こく民みんの怒いかりに火ひをつけた。

  The incident inflamed public anger.