panic (redirected from panicky)

hit the panic button and press the panic button; push the panic button

Fig. to panic suddenly. She hit the panic button and just went to pieces. Don't press the panic button. Relax and keep your eyes open.

See also: button, hit

panic someone by something

to make someone lose control by doing something. She panicked Denise by describing the event too vividly. She panicked her horse by jerking the reins too tightly.

panic at something

to lose control in a frightening or shocking situation. Try not to panic at what you see. It will be a shock. Don't panic at the price of food. It will be worse next week.

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hit/press/push the panic button

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

See also: button, hit

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