trigger off

Related to trigger off: the likes of, catch up, in earnest, patted, caught up with

trigger off

1. To cause some explosive device to detonate. A noun or pronoun can be used between "trigger" and "off." The jet drops the bombs from above and then triggers them off remotely. The construction activity triggered off a landmine that had been buried since the second World War.
2. To cause some severe or extreme event, condition, or situation to begin or occur. A noun or pronoun can be used between "trigger" and "off." The results of the election triggered off nationwide protests. Doctors still aren't sure what caused my collapse, but they think that it was probably stress that triggered it off.
3. To cause someone to become angry or irritated. In this usage, a noun or pronoun is used between "trigger" and "off." I still don't know what exactly triggered Tom off, but he's been in a foul mood ever since. Our mother was prone to angry outbursts, so we always had to be careful not to trigger her off.
See also: off, trigger
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

trigger someone off

to cause someone to become angry. (Fig. on trigger something off.) Your rude comments triggered her off. Your comments triggered off Bob's temper.
See also: off, trigger

trigger something off

to set something off, such as an explosion. We were afraid that the sparks from the engine would trigger an explosion off. The sparks triggered off an explosion.
See also: off, trigger
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • angle
  • angling
  • not do (someone or oneself) any favors
  • involve with
  • involve with (someone or something)
  • involved with
  • arrange for
  • arrange for some time
  • arrange some music for
  • ask back
References in periodicals archive
He will bring in new ideas and trigger off a fresh approach.
Tarbuck is new Nuns coach; RUGBY
Al-Zayani said in a statement that such "terrorist heinous acts" only aimed to undermine the country's security, stability and constitutional legitimacy, to trigger off sectarian strife and to jeopardize the Yemeni people's social fabric and national unity.
GCC chief condemns attacks in Yemen
Shampoos, hair dyes and even hair products such as mousses and gels can trigger off problems.
vital: What's the alternative? Dee Atkinson of Napiers Herbalists gives the alternative solution
"We believe that the World Cup, with all the drinking and tension surrounding it, could trigger off bouts of violence."
Police blitz World Cup wifebeaters; DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: High profile crackdown targets suspected women-batterers
"If it's strong enough to trigger off something like that, then it must have a lot of energy to it."
Shelley Vision: SCARE IN THE COMMUNITY
Hospital protesters in Worcestershire last night voiced hopes that a vote of no confidence in the county's health managers will trigger off a tide of protest.
Vote of no confidence in health authority
Now de Boer could be ready to trigger off a transfer tug-of-war by demanding a move to England.
Football: London next for De Boer
Things that can trigger off allergy and itches can be sensitivity to soap, shower gels, washing powder and even certain materials such as nylon.
What's the alternative? Dee Atkinson of Napiers Herbalists gives the alternative solution
A sheriff told the three women and two men that their behaviour ruined the concentration of golfers and had the potential to trigger off serious public disorder.
Fairway streakers pay price of Open affront
"It is essential that these murders should not trigger off a spiral of reprisals.
46 found dead in race hate massacre
ULTRASONIC sensors in the pillars which trigger off the alarm when something moves inside the car.
Volvo's war on crooks
"Often traumatic incidents are put to the back of your mind, but something may trigger off a reaction, sometimes many years later.
Bomb that blew up Leah's life
The investigation is into allegations that the council's 18,000-strong Unison branch - the largest in the country - has been improperly wasting money, some of its militant officials have been bullying and intimidating members and that it has been infiltrated by the Socialist Workers Party to trigger off confrontation with the Labour-run council.
Sack the death threat militants, say unions
He said he read the label on the Silvikrin shampoo before he sprayed the door handle to check there were no ingredients that would trigger off a possible fatal shock.
SHAMPOO-TRAP HUSBAND JEALOUS OF WIFE'S NEW LOVE; Accused claims he just wanted to cause a rash
After the American military discovered that a collision between one of their submarines and the Soviet K219 could trigger off a series of nukes which were aimed at USA cities, the man from the White House had to be informed.
Soapy bubble on the ocean waves; WEEKEND; HOSTILE WATERS BBC1