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

Word History and Origins

Origin of powder keg¹

First recorded in 1850–55

Related Words

• time bomb