before the balloon goes up

Before the situation becomes serious, critical, chaotic, or troublesome. Our analysts have been predicting a market crash for months now. If we don't diversify our assets soon before the balloon goes up, we're going to be in serious trouble. My parents' relationship has been on the rocks for years. I just hope I'm out of the house before the balloon goes up. If they're predicting snow for the weekend, you better get the essentials from the grocery store now, before the balloon goes up.