powder keg
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He has described the record as a "powder keg", as "burning diesel", and even a spicy "jambalaya" – and it's certainly harder and faster than anything the band have released over the past decade.
From BBC • Apr. 21, 2026
It was a powder keg waiting to blow.
From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026
In 1768 King George III filled Boston with armed troops, creating a powder keg; in two years the spark of a single rifle shot would explode the Boston Massacre.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 27, 2026
Dahlia Lithwick: I find the public-facing discourse around shootings to be impoverished, dangerous, and a powder keg on its own terms.
From Slate • Sep. 12, 2025
He had forgotten where he was—had worked problems on a powder keg.
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
