Take a powder

Posted by Walter Brody on February 12, 2005

The phrase "take a powder" was posted in April of 2000. I have come across a new possibility for its derivation. Pharmacists would make up some prescriptions in the form of a powder and then put the correct dosage into a piece of paper and fold it so that it could be taken when necessary. You'd excuse yourself if it was time to take your medicine by saying, "I'm going to take a powder."

• Take a powder Ms. Laurie S. Dell, B.A. 13/February/05
• Take a powder ESC 12/February/05