press the panic button: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘press the panic button’ mean?
The idiom "press the panic button" means to react to a situation with extreme fear or urgency, often making irrational or hasty decisions.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "put a gun to someone's head" means to exert extreme pressure or force on someone to make them do something against their will.
The idiom "push the boat out" means to make a special effort or go to great lengths, often in terms of spending money or time, to make an event or occasion more extravagant or impressive.
The idiom "push it" means to try to make something happen or to encourage someone to take action. It can also refer to asking someone to go faster or work harder. The phrase is often used in a motivating or urging context.
The idiom "pull up on" means to arrive or show up at a location, often unexpectedly or with a sense of urgency.
The idiom *pull the trigger* means to make a decision or take action, especially when it involves something significant or irreversible.
The idiom "pull out of the fire" means to save or rescue someone or something from danger or a difficult situation.
The idiom "pull one's finger out" means to start taking action or making an effort after a period of inactivity or procrastination.
The idiom "pulling the plug" means to stop or end something abruptly or abruptly terminate a situation or activity.
The idiom "pull a lever" means to take action or make a decision that has a significant and often irreversible impact or consequence.
Decoding Calamity
The idiom "pressed for time" is closely related to the expression "press the panic button." When someone is "pressed for time," they are in a situation where they have a limited amount of time to complete a task or meet a deadline. This sense of urgency can lead to feelings of panic and the need to take immediate action. In such circumstances, individuals may feel the pressure to make quick decisions and may resort to "pressing the panic button" in order to try to meet their obligations.
Another related idiom is "when push comes to shove." This phrase expresses the idea that when a situation becomes difficult or challenging, people may feel the need to take drastic action. In this sense, "pressing the panic button" can be seen as a response to when things get tough and individuals feel compelled to act urgently in order to address the problem at hand or mitigate the potential negative consequences.
One idiomatic expression that shares similarities with "press the panic button" is "hair-on-fire." This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is in a state of extreme distress, typically due to a crisis or emergency. It implies a sense of urgency and the need for immediate action. "Pressing the panic button" aligns with this notion, as it also conveys a sense of alarm and the need to act quickly when faced with a challenging or threatening situation.
The phrase "on the button" is also related to "press the panic button." It is used to emphasize precision or accuracy, especially in terms of timing or execution. Similarly, "pressing the panic button" implies the need to act decisively and effectively in a crisis or emergency. The phrase suggests that taking immediate and precise action is essential when faced with a pressing situation, reinforcing the urgency and importance of not hesitating or delaying.
"press into service" is another idiom that can be connected to "press the panic button." This phrase refers to the act of using something or someone, often in an unexpected or urgent manner, to solve a problem or address a particular need. "Pressing the panic button" can involve similar actions, as individuals may feel compelled to use any available means or resources to cope with a crisis or emergency. The idea of "pressing into service" aligns with the notion of taking immediate and sometimes unconventional action to address a pressing situation.
Example usage
Three examples of how the idiom "press the panic button" can be used in a sentence are:
- When the fire alarm went off, the staff immediately pressed the panic button and evacuated the building.
- The team's goalkeeper pressed the panic button when the opposing team was about to score a goal, causing him to make a mistake.
- After losing her passport right before her flight, Sarah started to panic and pressed the panic button by calling the embassy for help.
The idiom "press the panic button" metaphorically refers to someone reacting to a situation with extreme anxiety or distress, often leading to hasty or irrational actions. It is typically used to describe someone responding to a crisis or urgent situation in a panicked manner. The phrase suggests a sense of urgency and the need for immediate action.
More "Fear" idioms
