How to Pronounce "powder keg"
expression
ˈpaʊdɝ/ /ˈkɛɡ
POW-der keg
pˈaʊdɐ/ /kˈɛɡ
POW-duh keg
Definition
A 'powder keg' is a situation or place that is very tense or unstable and could easily become violent or dangerous. Originally, it referred to a barrel filled with gunpowder.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpaʊdɝ/ /ˈkɛɡ
British English
pˈaʊdɐ/ /kˈɛɡ
Simplified Pronunciation
US
POW-der keg
UK
POW-duh keg
Listen in Context
The border area became a powder keg after weeks of protests.
That meeting was a powder keg—everyone was angry.
This classroom is a powder keg before exams.
After the power outage, the city felt like a powder keg ready to explode.