火ひ蓋ぶたを切きる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

start a fight; open hostilities; kick off a conflict

Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to cut the matchlock cover', referring to the action of opening the pan cover on a matchlock gun to fire. Used figuratively for beginning a battle, argument, or confrontation.

• 両りょうチームの応おう援えん団だんが火ひ蓋ぶたを切きった。

  The supporters of both teams started a confrontation.

• 彼かれの一ひと言ことが議ぎ論ろんの火ひ蓋ぶたを切きった。

  His single remark sparked the argument.