run-out powder n.
In phrases
(US) to dismiss, to send packing.
![[US]](/static/img/flags/us.png "United States") | New York Day By Day 16 Sept. [synd. col.] The crowd gave him a ‘run out’ powder. | |
| New York Day by Day 15 Aug. [synd. col.] The park officers usually give the sleepers [i.e. in Central Park] a ‘walk-out powder’. |
to escape, to run away.
| in Zwilling TAD Lex. (1993) 71: He mooched a railroad ticket East, fled with the rest of the gents who took the run-out powders then and landed in Baltimore without enough coin to buy a pack of Durham. | |
| in Zwilling TAD Lex. (1993) 71: I wouldn’t mind her taking a run out if I hadn’t been so good to her. | |
| Wash. Times (DC) 14 Feb. 20/1: Some Janes Take a Runout Powder on the Judge. | |
| Gay-cat 197: Aw, say now, ma’m; I wouldn’t take no run-out powders on yer that way. | |
| ‘Fly Paper’ Story Omnibus (1966) 56: You knew Sue was planning to take a run-out on you with Joe? | |
| (con. 1920s) Judgement Day in Studs Lonigan (1936) 540: Pete Webb just took a run-out powder on his wife. | |
![[UK]](/static/img/flags/uk.png "United Kingdom") | Don’t Get Me Wrong (1956) 59: Whatever it was made him take a run-out before finishin’ off the letter to Scattle happened in Mexico City. | |
| ‘On Broadway’ 30 Oct. [synd. col.] Lots of the Honorables were fixing to take a run-out. They weren’t hiding the reason for their scream either. | |
| Harder They Fall (1971) 294: If he took a run-out powder now, Toro would end up in the river. | |
| I, Mobster 119: You saying I should take a run-out powder? | |
| Little Men, Big World 93: Maybe there was going to be trouble; maybe Leon was certain of it and had taken a runout and was sweet-talking both sides. | |
| Beat Generation 11: He wanted to get help for her before he took his runout. | |
| Cotters’ England (1980) 214: It’s a bloody runout powder you’re taking. You know you could work here at home. | |
| (con. 1940s–60s) Straight from the Fridge Dad. |