raise the alarm



raise the alarm

1. Literally, to activate an alarm. I think I see smoke coming from the warehouse. Someone run upstairs and raise the alarm!
2. To alert other people about something dangerous, risky, or troublesome. A number of top economic advisors tried to raise the alarm before the economic crash, but no policy makers seemed to heed their warnings.
See also: alarm, raise

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
XzavierZAY-vee-ər, ZAY-vyər, ig-ZAY-vee-ərEnglish (Modern)
TrumanTROO-mənEnglish
VilhoVEEL-hoFinnish
HeinerHIE-nerGerman
WaldekVAHL-dekPolish
LukeLOOK (English)English, Biblical