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
The Gunner was squatting in a powder barrel, a lighted purser's glim between his teeth, and a pistol in one hand.
From The Gentleman A Romance of the Sea by Ollivant, Alfred
Galusha, listening to his cousin's stories and jokes, had almost forgotten his powder barrel.
From Galusha the Magnificent by Lincoln, Joseph Crosby
It was sealed, and John Rex felt as if somebody had withdrawn a match from a powder barrel.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
