導火線

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 導火線 is read as どうかせん and is a noun for a physical fuse or, figuratively, a trigger that sets an event in motion.
• Basic usage: The physical object appears in 導火線を扱う, while a figurative cause appears in 対立の導火線になる.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Literal and figurative uses
  • It can name a fuse carrying flame to an explosive or metaphorically a small cause that starts a larger event or conflict.
• Difference from きっかけ
  • きっかけ neutrally denotes an occasion or catalyst for something to begin, while 導火線 suggests triggering a rapid and serious development such as conflict.