panic button

noun

1. an alarm button for use in an emergency, as to summon help.

panic button

noun

1. a button or switch that operates any of various safety devices, for use in an emergency
2. hit the panic button or press the panic button informal.
   to react to a situation by demanding emergency action; become excited; panic

Word History and Origins

Origin of panic button¹

Allegedly first used in reference to emergency bell systems on World War II bombers such as the B-17 and B-24

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. push / hit / press the panic button, Informal. to give way to panic in a distressing situation.

Example Sentences

Four factors have stopped Democrats from pushing the panic button: 1.

From The Daily Beast

My peers, colleagues, and friends in the financial-political-punditocracy rushed to hit the panic button and assign blame.

From The Daily Beast

Otherwise “Republicans going to hit the panic button” and start pouring their money into saving congressional seats.

From The Daily Beast

Now, you listen carefully: If you push the panic button on this one without cause, I will personally flay you alive.

From Project Gutenberg

Chow thought some Martian monsters were invading us, and sort of pushed the panic button.

From Project Gutenberg

"I certainly pushed the panic button on that young man," he said.

From Project Gutenberg