powder (redirected from powders)

keep your powder dry

to be ready to take action if necessary. All you have to do is keep your powder dry and await orders.

See also: dry, keep

a powder keg

a situation that could suddenly become extremely dangerous. We left just before the revolution, realizing that we were sitting on a powder keg.

powder your nose (humorous)

if a woman says she is going to powder her nose, she means she is going to go to the toilet. Well, if you'll excuse me a moment, I'm going to powder my nose.

See also: nose

take a powder (American, informal)

to leave a place suddenly, especially in order to avoid an unpleasant situation. He saw the police coming and took a powder.

See also: take

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keep your powder dry

to be ready to do something if necessary. We're not ready to start buying yet. We'll keep our powder dry until we think prices are as low as they'll go.

Etymology: from the idea that gunpowder (= an explosive substance in the form of a powder) will not explode if it is wet

See also: dry, keep

powder your nose

to use a public toilet. “I'm going to powder my nose,” Vera said, following Elise out of the room.

Usage notes: usually said by women

See also: nose