一触即発(いっしょくそくはつ)

いっしょくそくはつ
noun, na-adjective, expression
explosive situation; on the verge of eruption
idiomdescriptive
1. explosive situation; critical state; on the verge of eruption
A tense situation that could explode into conflict or crisis at any moment.
両国(りょうこく)の関係(かんけい)は一触即発(いっしょくそくはつ)の状態(じょうたい)だ。
Relations between the two countries are at the breaking point.
会議(かいぎ)は一触即発(いっしょくそくはつ)の雰囲気(ふんいき)だった。
The meeting had an explosive atmosphere.
二人(ふたり)の間(あいだ)には一触即発(いっしょくそくはつ)の緊張感(きんちょうかん)が漂(ただよ)っていた。
A volatile tension hung in the air between the two of them.

Etymology

一(いっ) (one) + 触(しょく) (touch) + 即(そく) (immediate) + 発(はつ) (explosion)
Literal: "one touch, immediate explosion"

Usage

Almost always used attributively, before の plus a noun such as 状態(じょうたい) or 雰囲気(ふんいき), rather than as a predicate on its own. Often used for international relations, workplace conflicts, personal disputes, or any situation with high tension.

Similar words

Related Words

Related: 危機一髪(ききいっぱつ) (similar idiom)
Compare: 緊迫(きんぱく) (tense, strained)
general
Added 2026.1.18 21:02 · Revised 2026.10.11 16:18
06500/06947_isshokusokuhatsu