sitting on a powder keg

Idioms and Phrases

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."

From BBC

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

From Reuters

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

From New York Times

“We’re sitting on a powder keg.”

From Washington Post

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

From Fox News