Hit the panic button

Meaning

The idiom "hit the panic button" means to trigger an extreme response of fear or alarm. It can also mean to suddenly feel overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed.

Usage

• When she heard the noise in the basement, she hit the panic button and called the police.
• He hit the panic button when he realized he had left his wallet at home.
• She hit the panic button when she saw the spider crawling on her arm.
• The news of the pandemic hitting the world caused many people to hit the panic button.
• After failing the exam, he hit the panic button and started crying uncontrollably.

Roots and History

The exact origin of this idiom is not clear, but it has been in use since at least the 1970s. One theory suggests that it comes from the practice of pressing a button to activate an alarm system, which would trigger a panic response. Another theory suggests that it comes from the idea of hitting a "panic button" in one's brain when faced with a stressful situation.

Synonyms in English

• Freak out
• Melt down
• Lose it
• Have a meltdown
• Go into a panic

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: Tirar la toalla (literally, "throw the towel") - means to give up or surrender
• French: Paniquer (literally, "panic") - means to have a severe fear or anxiety attack
• Italian: Avere un attacco di panico (literally, "have an attack of panic") - means to experience intense fear or anxiety
• German: Eine Panik haben (literally, "to have a panic") - means to be extremely afraid or anxious
• Dutch: Bijt een paniek hebben (literally, "to have a panic") - means to feel extreme fear or anxiety

Similar Idioms

• give airs

• pipe dream

• hit or miss