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, four-character idiom
explosive situation; on the verge of eruption
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 a critical state.
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。
There was a volatile tension in the air between the two of them.

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

USAGE:

  • 一触即発(いっしょくそくはつ)の状態(じょうたい) (explosive situation)
  • 一触即発(いっしょくそくはつ)の雰囲気(ふんいき) (tense atmosphere)
  • 一触即発(いっしょくそくはつ)の危機(きき) (imminent crisis)

CONTEXTS:
Often used for international relations, workplace conflicts, personal disputes, or any situation with high tension.

SIMILAR IDIOMS:

  • 危機一髪(ききいっぱつ) - close call, narrow escape
  • 緊迫(きんぱく)した - tense, strained

Related Words

Related: 危機一髪(ききいっぱつ) (similar idiom)
general
Added 2026.1.18 21:02 · Revised 2026.1.24 23:24
06500/06947_isshokusokuhatsu