push the panic button

Idioms  

1. Also, press the panic button. Overreact to a situation, as in Don't worry; Jane is always pushing the panic button, but I'm sure the baby's fine. This term originated during World War II, when certain bombers had a bell-warning system so that the crew could bail out if the plane was severely hit. Occasionally a pilot would push the button in error, when there was only minor damage, causing the crew to bail out unnecessarily. By 1950 the expression had been transferred to other kinds of overreaction.

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Example Sentences

It’s too early to push the panic button, but it’s surely not the start Curry wanted or expected.

From Seattle Times

“We’ve got 11 more games to go, so I just don’t want everyone to push the panic button and give up the ship,” Hamp said to reporters Wednesday while the team practiced.

From Seattle Times

“All I’m trying to do is get information and not jump the gun or push the panic button on anything,” Guerin said.

From Seattle Times

The funny thing is, there was really no need for the committee to push the panic button and bury Cincinnati yet.

From Washington Post

“We’re not going to push the panic button,” said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, whose team is just 1-2.

From Washington Times