powder barrel
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 fell in love with the wife of one of Napoleon's leading officials, imagined that that old black magic was enchanting his inamorata, that "she looked at me as though I were a powder barrel."
From Time Magazine Archive
But ... the mere mention of the strategic question worked like a spark in a powder barrel.
From Time Magazine Archive
All Europe appeared to be sitting, unknowingly or knowingly, upon a powder barrel which only needed some inconsequent hand to apply the match.
From A History of the Nations and Empires Involved and a Study of the Events Culminating in the Great Conflict by Marshall, Logan
It was before Billy Topsail, a lad of wits, had held a candle over the powder barrel, when the wreckers boarded the Spot Cash.
From Billy Topsail & Company A Story for Boys by Duncan, Norman
It was sealed, and John Rex felt as if somebody had withdrawn a match from a powder barrel.
From For the Term of His Natural Life by Clarke, Marcus Andrew Hislop
