alarums and excursions

idiom

Meaning

Any frantic activity.

Origin

disputed origin

From a Shakespearean stage direction, indicating that soldiers should march across the stage, blowing bugles and beating drums, etc.

Examples

SIMPLE

The kitchen was full of alarums and excursions before the dinner party.

CONTEXTUAL

Between the broken pipes and the leaking roof, the morning was filled with alarums and excursions.

COMPLEX

The office descended into a state of alarums and excursions as the team scrambled to meet the impossible deadline.

Anchors to

Last updated April 17, 2026