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Definition

To leave without saying goodbye; to leave quietly, to run away; to scram; to depart without taking leave or notifying anyone, often with the implication of avoiding something unpleasant or shirking responsibility.

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In Context

  • "Macdonald spoke slowly, bitterly. "The kidnapping is one too many for me, Costello. I don't want any part of it. I'm takin' a powder from this toy mob. I took a chance that bright boy might side me.""
  • "First Mrs Hitchcock packed up and took a powder, and there was hell to pay."
  • "Our idea was that once the storm had subsided we'd take a powder one night with our dough. . . We'd take our stuff and give ourselves a change of air. . . move to a different neighborhood."
  • ""Mr. Tilton said you told him you would take a powder." "Take a powder?" said Henry. "I once heard a man from Nevada tell me he would take a powder, meaning he was leaving town.""
  • "But when you suffer losses, Uncle Sam may take a powder."
  • "Go on, now. Scram. Take a powder. And don't come back till people on the street start wishing you a good afternoon."
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Also Said As

  • take a walkout powder
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See Also