Keep (one's) powder dry In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "keep (one's) powder dry", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Katie Anh calendar 2022-08-03 04:08

Meaning of Keep (one's) powder dry

Keep (one's) powder dry spoken language verb phrase

The "Powder" in the phrase refers to gunpowder, which should be kept dry so as to work properly.

 

To describe the act of being prepared to act with little advance notice.

Keep your powder dry and get as much information as possible before the argument.

It's worth keeping your powder dry in case your CV gets rejected this time.

Always keep your powder dry because we don't know when the enemy will attack us.

Being a doctor, I always keep my powder dry to receive patients.

Other phrases about:

take the long view (of something)
To consider all the consequences of something in the future instead of only in the present 
have/keep your wits about you

To stay calm in a difficult situation and react to unexpected things quickly

Spoiler alert

Used to warn readers that an important detail of the plot is about to be revealed

get/have (all) your ducks in a row

To get someone's affair well-prepared or organized.

keep your friends close and your enemies closer

To keep an eye on your enemies' behavior in order to avoid any malicious actions

Grammar and Usage of Keep (one's) powder dry

Verb Forms

  • keep (one's) powder dry
  • keeps (one's) powder dry
  • kept (one's) powder dry
  • keeping (one's) powder dry
The verb should be conjugated with its tense.
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TODAY
to look like a drowned rat

To be very wet

Example:

Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.

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