Press/push the panic button

usgb
verb

To react quickly and without thinking due to fear or anxiety, often making the situation worse.

As the stock market started to drop, many investors pressed the panic button and sold their stocks.
Visual representation of "press/push the panic button" - To react quickly and without thinking due to fear or anxiety, often making the situation worse.

Often appears as...

  • press the panic button prematurely
  • press the panic button unnecessarily

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "press/push the panic button"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Expression

Understand this is a non-literal phrase commonly used to express overreaction due to fear, not involving a real button.

Illustration for Idiomatic Expression
He lost his keys and immediately pressed the panic button, assuming they were stolen.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Always Negative

Though it suggests an overreaction, sometimes it means responding to stress or danger with strong measures.

Illustration for Not Always Negative
When the virus hit the town, the mayor pressed the panic button and instated a lockdown.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emotional Intensity

The phrase can indicate a high emotional response which may not be logical or thought-out.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
Seeing the wasp, she pressed the panic button and ran screaming.
Visual representation of the word "Press/push the panic button"

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