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Sitting on a powder keg Meaning in English

expression · lemma: sit on a powder keg

SIT-ing on uh POW-der keg
SIT-ing on a POW-duh keg

Definition

To be in a situation that is very dangerous or tense, where a problem could explode at any moment.

Usage & Nuances

This is an idiomatic, informal expression used to describe situations that feel unstable or about to become much worse. Common in news, workplace, or personal contexts. Not used for minor annoyances—implies real risk or tension. Related expressions: 'walking on eggshells' (more about being careful not to upset), 'ticking time bomb' (problem will explode soon).

Spanish: sentado sobre un barril de pólvoraPortuguese (BR): sentado em um barril de pólvoraPortuguese (PT): sentado em um barril de pólvoraChinese (Simplified): 如坐在火药桶上一样Chinese (Traditional): 如同坐在火藥桶上一樣Hindi: बारूद की ढेर पर बैठा होनाArabic: يجلس على برميل بارودBengali: বারুদ ভর্তি ড্রামের উপর বসে থাকাRussian: сидеть на бочке с порохомJapanese: 火薬庫の上に座っているような状態Vietnamese: ngồi trên một thùng thuốc súngKorean: 화약통 위에 앉아 있다Turkish: barut fıçısının üstünde oturmakUrdu: بارود کے ڈبے پر بیٹھناIndonesian: duduk di atas tong mesiu

Example Sentences

After the argument, it felt like everyone was sitting on a powder keg.

basic

The political situation is like sitting on a powder keg right now.

basic

Living in such an unsafe neighborhood can feel like sitting on a powder keg.

basic

We're sitting on a powder keg at work; one more mistake and everything could blow up.

natural

With all the tension in the region, leaders know they're sitting on a powder keg.

natural

"Don't say anything!" she whispered, "We're sitting on a powder keg right now."

natural