panic

hit/press/push the panic button

to do something quickly without thinking about it in order to deal with a difficult or worrying situation. We may have lost the last three games but we're not pushing the panic button yet. (often negative)

See also: button, hit, press, push

panic stations (British & Australian, informal)

a time when you feel extremely anxious and you must act quickly because something needs to be done urgently. No matter how organized you think you are, one hour before the show starts it's panic stations.

See also: station

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push the panic button

to react to a situation with fear and confusion. Our coach isn't about to push the panic button just because we've lost two games in a row.

Usage notes: sometimes used with other verbs that have a similar meaning, such as press and hit: It's too early to hit the panic button, but our stocks lost half their value today.

See also: button, push