sitting on a powder keg

1. 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

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

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

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“We are sitting on a powder keg,” he said.

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“We’re sitting on a powder keg.”

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

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