expression, ichidan verb
light a signal fire; send a smoke signal
Literal meaning: to raise a smoke signal or beacon fire, historically used for communication. Still used in historical or metaphorical contexts.
戦国時代、城から狼煙を上げて援軍を呼んだ。
In the Warring States period, they lit a signal fire from the castle to call for reinforcements.
expression, ichidan verb
start something; initiate an action; kick off a campaign
Idiomatic use: to be the first to take action, often in a public or noticeable way, like starting a movement or campaign.
彼女のスピーチが改革の狼煙を上げた。
Her speech started the reform movement.
新製品の発売が価格競争の狼煙を上げた。
The launch of the new product kicked off a price war.