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Phrase(s): 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., Phrase(s): 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs