Re: The
balloon has gone up
Posted by James
Briggs on January 09, 2002 In Reply to: The
balloon has gone up posted by Christine on January 09, 2002
: Does anyone know the origin of the phrase, "The balloon has gone up" - meaning
the signal to take action has been received? I have a feeling it's war-related
but don't know!
: Any help appreciated.
: christine
When the balloon goes
up is a phrase used to imply impending trouble. This relates to the use of observation
balloons in the first World War. The sight of such a balloon going up nearly always
resulted in a barrage of shells following soon after. The expression was re-inforced
during WWII when the hoisting of barrage balloons was part of the preparations
for an air raid.
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