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The phrase comes from a saying attributed to Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), and the powder is, of course, gunpowder. During his cold-blooded and savage Irish campaign of 1649 he is said to have concluded a speech to his troops, who were about to cross the River Slaney before attacking Wexford, with the rousing words, 'Put your trust in God, my boys, and keep your powder dry.'
However, it seems likely that the phrase was coined later by the Anglo-Indian soldier Valentine Blacker (1738-1823) and gained the Cromwell attribution through being quoted in 'Oliver's Advice' in E Hayes's Ballads of Ireland (1856).
Curtis Strite
Wiki User
∙ 12y agoIt's an old gunfighting term. Keep your head down so nobody shoots it off, and keep your gunpowder dry so it will shoot. In other words, be careful and prepared for anything.
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What does the idiom Keep a level head mean?
Stay calm
What does keep your nose to the ground mean?
I suppose it could mean "keep your head down, " but it's more likely that it's a misrepresentation of one of the following idioms: "Keep your nose to the grindstone" means to work in earnest; hard and steadily. "Keep your ear to the ground" means to listen carefully, intently; stay informed. "Keep your nose clean" means to stay out of trouble. "Keep your feet on the ground" means to have a realistic understanding of your own ideas, actions, and decisions.
What does the phrase keep your head in a crisis mean?
Don't lose your head would be a way of saying, try to keep your cool during a rough time. Try to think clearly. .Remain calm .. Keep your head and focus beyond the current crisis.
What does head honcho mean?
The person in charge; the chief, boss, leader ex. do what the head honcho tell you if you want to keep your job!
What does booper mean?
a booper down here is a person that gives head or sumthing it have to do with sex a booper down here is a person that gives head or sumthing it have to do with sex
What does the idiom Keep your head in the clouds mean?
If your head is "in the clouds," you're a dreamer.
What does the poet mean by keep your head?
To "keep you head" means to it means to "stay calm" and not to panic when faced with an emergency situation.
What does it mean if keep scratching your head?
It means you have an itch.
What does keep one's powder dry mean?
This phrase is used to warn of the possibility of upcoming danger. As gunpowder will not ignite when wet, you would want to be sure to keep your powder dry in case of an attack, so as not to be defenseless. Similar to "don't let your guard down," a person would use this phrase to infer one should stay prepared.
What does keep your head mean in poerty?
it means to stay calm
What does the idiom Keep a level head mean?
Stay calm
What does keep your nose to the ground mean?
I suppose it could mean "keep your head down, " but it's more likely that it's a misrepresentation of one of the following idioms: "Keep your nose to the grindstone" means to work in earnest; hard and steadily. "Keep your ear to the ground" means to listen carefully, intently; stay informed. "Keep your nose clean" means to stay out of trouble. "Keep your feet on the ground" means to have a realistic understanding of your own ideas, actions, and decisions.
What does keep your head mean?
It means pay attention. Yes it can mean that it can also mean ...... Stay Strong keep Going dont worry Dont be soo gloom ..... Depends
What does the phrase keep your head in a crisis mean?
Don't lose your head would be a way of saying, try to keep your cool during a rough time. Try to think clearly. .Remain calm .. Keep your head and focus beyond the current crisis.
What does it mean when you move you head up and down?
Usually yes or affirming.
What does cephalic mean in pregnancy terms?
It means baby is head down.
What is backing powder?
Do you mean baking powder?
