Synonyms

sitting on a powder keg

Idioms

In imminent danger, in an explosive situation, as in Our office is sitting on a powder keg while management decides whether or not to close us down. This metaphoric term alludes to sitting on a keg of gunpowder that could go off at any moment. [First half of 1900s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It's like we're sitting on a powder keg."

From BBC • Sep. 30, 2022

"Of course, we are worried. ... It's like sitting on a powder keg," said Enerhodar resident Alexander Lifirenko.

From Reuters • Aug. 22, 2022

When you interviewed him before prison, you know, you would have no idea that he was sitting on a powder keg of lies.

From Fox News • Apr. 14, 2021

“We have been sitting on a powder keg for some time and it has burst,” said Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, whose officers have made hundreds of arrests.

From Washington Times • Jun. 2, 2020

Without knowing, we are sitting on a powder keg in which the fuse may or may not be lighted.

From Cubs of the Wolf by Jones, Raymond F.

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023