powder keg
noun
1
: a small usually metal cask for holding gunpowder or blasting powder
2
: something liable to explode
Examples of powder keg in a Sentence
Political instability has made the region a powder keg.
the immigration bill has become a political powder keg for legislators on both sides of the aisle
Recent Examples on the Web
In Syria, the Assad regime is attempting to consolidate its authority, but the country remains a sectarian powder keg.
—
Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 2 Dec. 2021
But a powerful act of forgiveness on the part of the family diffused the powder keg of violence that was ready to explode.
—A.r. Bernard Sr., Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2024
In the series, Dent will attempt to solve Batman's murder as a powder keg ignites in the city without the Dark Knight there to protect it.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2023
The play begins with a gathering of skeptical seekers reluctant to engage in this powder keg of a room.
—David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for powder keg 
Vali Nasr, Foreign Affairs, 2 Dec. 2021
But a powerful act of forgiveness on the part of the family diffused the powder keg of violence that was ready to explode.
—A.r. Bernard Sr., Baltimore Sun, 19 Feb. 2024
In the series, Dent will attempt to solve Batman's murder as a powder keg ignites in the city without the Dark Knight there to protect it.
—Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2023
The play begins with a gathering of skeptical seekers reluctant to engage in this powder keg of a room.
—David John Chávez, The Mercury News, 7 Feb. 2024
See all Example Sentences for powder keg
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'powder keg.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near powder keg
Cite this Entry
“Powder keg.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/powder%20keg. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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