when the balloon goes up
idiomPart ofballoon
when the balloon goes up — idiom
1. the moment when a feared problem, fight, or crisis finally starts.
1.idiom
Definition
the moment when a feared problem, fight, or crisis finally starts.
Example
The Pearson family had stored food and water for weeks, ready for when the balloon goes up.
Nobody at the army base knew when the balloon would go up, but Sergeant Daniels kept his rifle within reach.