elixir – Derives from Arabic al-‘iksir, “the powder for drying wounds.” More…
kohl – A powder used to darken the eyes, it is from ancient Arabic and Egyptian times. More…
loaded for bear – Dating from the mid-1800s, it alludes to the heavy charge of powder or lead that hunters use for large animals, such as bears. More…
take a powder – Comes from “take a runout powder,” with powder meaning “impetus, rush; impetuosity.” More…