spark off
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: 1. To cause something to begin or happen, especially suddenly: To initiate a process, event, or series of actions. 2. To trigger a reaction or response: To be the immediate cause of a particular action or emotional response.
Usage and Examples
- The controversial article sparked off a fierce public debate.
- A single dropped cigarette can spark off a major forest fire.
- His thoughtless comment sparked off an argument at the dinner table.
- The new evidence sparked off a fresh police investigation.
Advanced Usage
- To spark off interest/curiosity/memories: To suddenly cause someone to feel interest, curiosity, or to remember something.
- The old photograph sparked off a flood of childhood memories.
- Often used for events that begin rapidly, energetically, or violently (e.g., fights, riots, fires, debates).
Variants and Related Words
- Spark (verb): A more concise synonym with the same meaning (e.g., ).
- Spark (noun): The small initial cause (e.g., ).
Synonyms
- Trigger
- Provoke
- Instigate
- Set off
- Activate
- Initiate
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Set off: Very similar in meaning, often interchangeable (e.g., ).
- Touch off: Often used for conflicts or violent reactions (e.g., ).
- Bring about: To cause something to happen, usually over a longer period and less suddenly.
Related Idioms
- To be the spark that lights the fire/powder keg: To be the initial event that causes a much larger and more serious situation.
- The arrest was the spark that lit the powder keg of social unrest.
Verb
- put in motion or move to act
- trigger a reaction
- actuate the circuits