panic stations
All hands alert
Panic stations describes a state of alarm requiring urgent action, as if an emergency has been declared: It was panic stations when we realized the deadline was tomorrow.
The phrase evokes naval or military stations where crew members rush to their assigned positions during a crisis.
Chiefly British.
- fend offDeflect an advance
- taken abackShocked into momentary confusion
- emergencySerious sudden danger
- state of emergencyOfficially declared public danger
- distress signalAlert requesting urgent aid
anxiety · loose cannon · alarm · crisis · hit the fan · code red · rush · chaos · upheaval · scramble · running around · last minute · all hands on deck · troubleshooting · drop everything · catastrophe · dread · deadline
panic stationscalm
Free from agitation
composure · tranquility · serenity · cool-headedness · equanimity
panic stationsbusiness as usual
Continuation of normal routine
all clear · stand down · at ease · stand easy · under control
panic, station, panics, panicked, panicking, panicky, stations, stationed, stationing