take a powder

take a powder {v. phr.}, {slang}

To leave hurriedly; run out or away; desert, flee.

All the gang except one had taken a powder when the police arrived.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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powder room

[powder room] {n.} The ladies' rest room. * /When they got to the restaurant, Mary went to the powder room to wash up./ A Dictionary of American Idioms

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[sitting on a powder keg] See: [SIT ON A VOLCANO]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

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[vanishing cream] {n.} A cosmetic cream for the skin that is used chiefly before face powder. * /Mrs. Jones spread vanishing cream on her face before applying her face powder./ A Dictionary of American Idioms

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