kept one's powder dry
Reserved one's resources
To keep one's powder dry is to stay prepared for action while waiting for the right moment.
The phrase comes from the need to protect gunpowder from moisture so it would fire when needed.
It now means holding resources or options in reserve: She's keeping her powder dry until after the election, Don't commit yet—keep your powder dry.
- alertWarning or watchfulness
- reservedRestrained in manner
- vigilantKeenly aware of danger
- battle stationsAssigned combat positions
- military readinessArmed forces' combat preparation
standing army · equipped · in reserve · prudent · anticipatory · deliberate · circumspect · restrained · judicious · play it safe · rainy day fund · measured · held back · patient · wait and see · wait it out · uncommitted · conservative