powder keg

• Situation ou lieu extrêmement tendu, explosif, qui peut à tout moment dégénérer en violence ou en chaos.

A situation or place that is extremely tense, volatile, or likely to erupt into violence or chaos at any moment.

1. Explosive situationB2informal

   A situation that is likely to become dangerous or violent at any moment.

   poudrière

   • The political tension in the region is a powder keg waiting to explode.
   • The argument between the two groups turned into a powder keg.
   • The company's financial problems are a powder keg for layoffs.

2. Actual explosive containerC1formal

   A barrel or container filled with gunpowder, used historically as a weapon.

   baril de poudre

   • The soldiers stored the powder kegs in a secure bunker.
   • A single spark could ignite the powder keg.
   • The ship carried several powder kegs for its cannons.