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Old US slang from the 1920s/30s meaning to 'Beat it' 'Scram' 'Move it' 'Get Going' etc. 'Taking a powder' was a commonplace phrase pre-WW2 particularly in the medical field where a doctor would instruct his patient "to take a powder" post assessment. In American usage, the "powder room" is a euphemism for the ladies lavatory, and the phrase "to powder one's nose" indicates the immediate exit of a lady toward this room. Thus, to "take a powder" is to leave, rather quickly, but with discretion, and without further comment. It appeared in movie and gangster novel lingo in the 1920's.
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