[Idiom] TAKE A POWDER. - Exiting Situations Quietly and Strategically
Take a powder.
leave discreetly
'Take a powder' means to leave or disappear in a quiet, unobtrusive manner. This idiom comes from the old slang 'take a powder' suggesting someone 'taking a step away' as in stepping away to powder one's nose, thereby excusing oneself discreetly from a situation. It’s handy for describing exits or retreats from uncomfortable or undesired environments.
Example Sentences
He decided to take a powder when he saw his ex at the party.
He chose to leave the party upon seeing his ex to avoid an awkward situation.
Rather than face the confrontation, Tom took a powder and avoided the meeting.
Tom decided to leave instead of facing a confrontation.
The thief tried to take a powder when the police arrived.
The thief attempted to escape when the police showed up.