take a powder
Leave without warning
Take a powder means to leave quickly or abruptly, often to avoid trouble or an uncomfortable situation.
The phrase suggests a hasty, deliberate departure: When the cops showed up, he took a powder.
It can also mean to disappear or make oneself scarce: She took a powder before anyone could ask her about the missing money.
The expression is somewhat dated but still understood.
- clear outLeave quickly, often urgently
- make tracksDepart with urgency
- get out of DodgeUrgently leave a dangerous situation
- absquatulateTo leave abruptly
- fleeDepart swiftly from threat
make a break for it · disappear · skedaddle · vamoose · bolt · make off · do a runner · lam · beat it · skip out · ghosting · scram · decamp · duck out · scarper · depart · hit the road · head for the hills
take a powderstay
Remain in position
remain · stick around · abide · linger · stay put
take a powdersay goodbye
Express final departure
take one's leave · bid farewell · sign out · clock out · give notice
take a powderface the music
Accept deserved consequences
stand one's ground · stick it out · confront · see it through · tough it out
take, takes, taken, taking, taker, takers, uptake, mistake, mistaken