SITTING ON A POWDER KEG Meaning and
Definition
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Sitting on a powder keg is an idiomatic expression used to describe a highly volatile or dangerous situation that is likely to explode or unravel at any moment. It conveys the idea of a person or group being in a precarious position, with the potential for serious consequences if certain actions or events occur.
The phrase draws its metaphorical meaning from the image of sitting atop a powder keg, which historically referred to a wooden barrel filled with gunpowder. Gunpowder is an explosive substance, highly sensitive to even the slightest disturbance or spark. Thus, sitting on a powder keg implies being in a risky position that could quickly turn disastrous if a trigger or catalyst is introduced.
When applied to a non-literal context, sitting on a powder keg refers to a situation characterized by underlying tension, conflict, or instability. It suggests an atmosphere that is amassing pressure or unresolved issues, which could potentially lead to a sudden and catastrophic outcome. This expression is often used in discussions involving political conflicts, social unrest, or economic instability, where the potential for an explosive situation looms large.
Overall, the phrase "sitting on a powder keg" serves as a warning or cautionary statement, highlighting the potential dangers and instabilities lurking beneath the surface of a delicate situation, waiting for a slight spark to ignite it.
Common Misspellings for SITTING ON A POWDER KEG
- aitting on a powder keg
- zitting on a powder keg
- xitting on a powder keg
- ditting on a powder keg
- eitting on a powder keg
- witting on a powder keg
- sutting on a powder keg
- sjtting on a powder keg
- sktting on a powder keg
- sotting on a powder keg
- s9tting on a powder keg
- s8tting on a powder keg
- sirting on a powder keg
- sifting on a powder keg
- sigting on a powder keg
- siyting on a powder keg
- si6ting on a powder keg
- si5ting on a powder keg
- sitring on a powder keg
- sitfing on a powder keg
Idioms with the word SITTING ON A POWDER KEG
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sitting on a powder keg
The idiom "sitting on a powder keg" means being in a dangerous or volatile situation where any sudden action or event could lead to a catastrophic outcome.
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