keep powder dry

keep (one's) powder dry

To be prepared to act with little advance notice. The phrase refers to gunpowder, which needs to be kept dry in order to work properly. I know this job opportunity didn't work out, but keep your powder dry for the next one that comes along.

See also: dry, keep, powder

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

keep (one's) powder dry

To be ready for a challenge with little warning.

See also: dry, keep, powder

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.