Take A Powder

Pronunciation: /teɪk ə ˈpaʊdər/

Definitions of take a powder

verb To leave quickly or suddenly, especially to avoid a difficult or unpleasant situation.

Example Sentences

A1 I need to take a powder before the party starts.

A2 She always takes a powder when things get too stressful.

B1 He decided to take a powder and go on vacation for a week.

B2 After the argument, she needed to take a powder to calm down.

C1 The CEO took a powder from his duties to focus on his family.

C2 In order to clear his mind, he took a powder and went on a meditation retreat.

Examples of take a powder in a Sentence

formal It is not appropriate to just take a powder in the middle of a meeting.

informal I think I'm going to take a powder and head out early.

slang She decided to take a powder and avoid the confrontation.

figurative After the argument, he needed to take a powder to calm down.

Grammatical Forms of take a powder

• past tense: took
• plural: take
• comparative: more powder
• superlative: most powder
• present tense: takes
• future tense: will take
• perfect tense: have taken
• continuous tense: taking
• singular: takes
• positive degree: take
• infinitive: to take
• gerund: taking
• participle: taken

Origin and Evolution of take a powder

First Known Use: 1920 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'take a powder' originated in the United States in the early 20th century.

Evolution of the word: Originally, 'take a powder' meant to leave quickly or abruptly, possibly referencing the act of taking a laxative powder to quickly relieve oneself. Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean to leave or depart in a hurry, often without explanation.