Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sit-on-a-powder-keg

idiom

/sɪt ɒn ə ˈpaʊdər kɛɡ/

Definition

To be in a situation that is potentially explosive or dangerous, especially where tensions are high and conflict could easily erupt.

Examples

The negotiations were tense, and the team felt they were sitting on a powder keg.
After the recent unrest, the region was considered to be sitting on a powder keg, ready to explode at any moment.

Meaning

The phrase suggests that someone is in a precarious position where a small spark of provocation could lead to a significant and possibly disastrous outcome.