Hair-trigger

Pronunciation

• Canada IPA: /ˈhÉ›rËŒtrɪɡɝ/

Origin

compound hair + trigger

Full definition of hair-trigger

Noun

1. a trigger that will set off a firearm when even a very small pressure is applied
• 1847: Francis Parkman, The Oregon Trail... the hunter brings the sight of his rifle to bear; lightly and delicately his finger presses upon the hair-trigger.
• 1872: Mark Twain, Roughing ItIs your laugh hung on a hair-trigger?--that is, is it critical, or can you get it off easy?

Adjective

1. unstable, in a situation that could be worsened by the slightest mistake
2. easily angered, having a short temper
• 1922: Peter B. Kyne, Cappy Rick Retires"Gus," the latter began, "am I right in assuming that you possess a reasonable amount of influence with that hair-trigger partner of yours, Live Wire Luiz?"