paper soaked in saltpetre and used for firing gunpowder
2. to light the touch paper
touch paper in American English
noun
paper saturated with potassium nitrate to make it burn slowly, used for igniting explosives and fireworks
Word origin
[1740–50]This word is first recorded in the period 1740–50. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: adagio, automatic, materialism, outrigger, professional
Examples of 'touch paper' in a sentence
touch paper
Yet, this modest victory seemed to light a blue touch paper for some men.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Castleford lit the blue touch paper early.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
Light the green touch paper and stand well back.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
So stand well back when they light the blue touch paper.
The Sun (2014)
Light the red touch paper and step back.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The accompanying message lit the blue touch paper.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Fireworks fly - and you'll light the touch paper.
The Sun (2015)
And with that, the touch paper is lit for the film's explosive final act.
The Sun (2006)
The health secretary has lit the proverbial blue touch paper.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Talk about light the blue touch paper and stand well back.