draw the crabs

"Crabs" refers to "crab shells," perhaps a pun on the shells of bullets and artillery. Primarily heard in Australia.

1. military slang To cause an enemy to fire at one; to draw fire. Stay low so they can't see you. You don't want to draw the crabs and get yourself killed! The soldier ran into the open and drew the crabs away from the rest of his squad. What, are you trying to draw the crabs? Stay in the bunker, you fool!

2. informal By extension, to attract unwanted attention. The celebrity wore a floppy hat and big sunglasses at the local coffee shop in an attempt to avoid drawing the crabs. It didn’t work, though—a crowd flocked to her almost immediately. He quickly tucked the winnings away inside his coat pocket, lest he draw the crabs on his way home. Don't you think that letting her go out with a security detail will attract the crabs? As long as she's in danger, she needs to stay in the safe house!