Powder keg

A "powder keg" is a metaphor for a situation or region that is highly volatile and prone to explosive conflict or unrest. It refers to the historical image of a barrel of gunpowder stored in close proximity to ignition sources, where any small spark could cause a destructive explosion. In political or social contexts, it describes areas with tense relations, unresolved conflicts, or underlying issues that could quickly escalate into violence if triggered. The term emphasizes the danger of accumulated tensions that are ready to ignite with minimal provocation.