keeps one's powder dry
Maintains combat readiness
To keep one's powder dry is to remain prepared for action while waiting for the right moment.
The phrase comes from the need to protect gunpowder from moisture—wet powder won't fire.
It implies readiness without premature commitment: We'll keep our powder dry until we see how the market responds.
Often appears as advice to stay patient but alert.
- carefulExercising caution and attention
- calculatedFigured out mathematically
- play it safeAvoid unnecessary chances
- opportuneFavorable in timing
- alertWarning or watchfulness
deliberate · vigilant · on the alert · circumspect · wary · equipped · battle ready · rainy day · gunpowder · musket · measured · prudent · hold back · hold one's fire · flintlock · strategic · resourceful · timely
keeps one's powder dryjumps the gun
Acts before the signal
flies off the handle · shoots from the hip · rushes in · loses one's head · overreacts
keeps, keeping, keeper, keepers, oneness, powder, powders, powdered, powdering