a powder keg

15:28 Nov 4, 2008
This question was closed without grading. Reason: Answer found elsewhere

English to Spanish translations [PRO]
Art/Literary - Journalism
English term or phrase: a powder keg
"In poor, violence-torn countries, the unemployed youth constitute a powder keg".

The usual translation of this metaphor --'un polvorín'-- doesn't sound right this time. Any suggestion, please?
pechelingue


Summary of answers provided
4 +4una bomba de tiempo
Vistalba
4 +2una bomba de relojería
Ignacio de Almagro


Discussion entries: 1





  

Answers


2 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +4
una bomba de tiempo


Explanation:
the equivalent in Spanish over here would be 'una bomba de tiempo', as per supplied context.

Vistalba
Local time: 06:11
Native speaker of: Native in SpanishSpanish

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Cesar Serrano
27 mins

agree  Christine Walsh
28 mins

agree  Eileen Banks
1 hr

agree  James Stevens-Arce
2 hrs
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1 hr   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +2
una bomba de relojería


Explanation:
otra, si no se quiere polvorín o barril de pólvora.

Ignacio de Almagro
Spain
Local time: 11:11
Native speaker of: Native in SpanishSpanish
PRO pts in category: 8

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Beatriz Ramírez de Haro
1 hr
  -> Gracias, Beatriz

agree  bcsantos
4 hrs
  -> Gracias, bcsantos
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