TAKES POWDER Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "takes powder" is an idiomatic expression that originated in the 19th century. It refers to a person's decision to quickly leave or escape from a situation or place, often to avoid trouble or a difficult confrontation.
The term "powder" in this context is believed to be derived from the idea of gunpowder, emphasizing the swift and explosive departure. It implies that one is making a hasty exit, similar to the way gunpowder ignites and rapidly burns.
The expression "takes powder" can be used in various contexts. For example, someone might "take powder" from a party where an uncomfortable argument is escalating, or from a workplace where tension and conflict are rising. Similarly, an individual may "take powder" from a relationship that has become difficult or frustrating.
This idiomatic expression conveys the notion of avoiding confrontation or trouble through a sudden and decisive departure. It suggests that the person is seeking a quick solution by removing themselves from a challenging or uncomfortable situation.
While "takes powder" is an old-fashioned phrase, it is occasionally used today, particularly in literature or in discussions about historical events. Its meaning remains the same, describing an individual's act of swiftly leaving to evade difficulties or conflict.
Common Misspellings for TAKES POWDER
- rakes powder
- fakes powder
- gakes powder
- yakes powder
- 6akes powder
- 5akes powder
- tzkes powder
- tskes powder
- twkes powder
- tqkes powder
- tajes powder
- tames powder
- tales powder
- taoes powder
- taies powder
- takws powder
- takss powder
- takds powder
- takrs powder
Etymology of TAKES POWDER
The phrase "takes powder" does not have a specific etymology on its own, as it is a colloquial expression or idiom that typically means "to leave quickly or abruptly".
However, it’s worth noting that the term "takes powder" might be related to the expression "to take a powder", which has a different meaning. "To take a powder" is an idiomatic phrase that originated in the United States in the early 20th century, meaning "to quickly and clandestinely leave or disappear". The exact origin of this expression is uncertain, but there are a few hypotheses:
1. The term could be related to the use of powder as a theatrical device in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. During this time, stage actors would often throw powder into the air to create smoke or haze, allowing them to make a dramatic exit.
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