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.

But ... the mere mention of the strategic question worked like a spark in a powder barrel.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

Galusha, forgetting his powder barrel, beamed in sympathy.

From Galusha the Magnificent by Lincoln, Joseph Crosby

A person sitting on a powder barrel could scarcely be expected to enjoy the sight of a group of children playing with matches in close proximity.

From Galusha the Magnificent by Lincoln, Joseph Crosby

So he shifted from the powder barrel to the sharp horn of the other dilemma and shifted back again.

From Galusha the Magnificent by Lincoln, Joseph Crosby