take a powder take a powder {v. phr.}, {slang} To leave hurriedly; run out or away; desert, flee. All the gang except one had taken a powder when the police arrived. Categories: add yours {slang} {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: T Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Add my comment