51³Ô¹Ï

Advertisement

Advertisement

View synonyms for

powder keg

noun

  1. a small, metal, barrellike container for gunpowder or blasting powder.
  2. a potentially dangerous situation, especially one involving violent repercussions.


powder keg

noun

  1. a small barrel used to hold gunpowder
  2. informal.
    a potential source or scene of violence, disaster, etc
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged†2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

51³Ô¹Ï History and Origins

Origin of powder keg1

First recorded in 1850–55
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

He says it's like living on a powder keg – you never know when or where the next shell will land.

From

The Jehanabad prison was a powder keg, housing Maoists alongside their class enemies - vigilantes from upper caste Hindu private armies.

From

And for a potentially powder keg Cannes there’s also the firebomb of “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.â€

From

“Everyone knew that Mark Fuhrman was a potential powder keg,†Douglas said.

From

“Civil War†is a purpose-built powder keg of controversial talking points and hot-button ideas.

From

Advertisement

Related 51³Ô¹Ïs

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement