Alarums and Excursions Idiom: Check Meaning, Synonyms & More

The ‘Alarums and Excursions’ idiom has been evident since the era of Shakespeare. The idiom refers to a period of great excitement, commotion, or disturbance. It often implies a sense of chaos, confusion, or panic. Some similar words or phrases that can be used in place of it include helter-skelter, much ado, ballyhoo, uproar, commotion and several others. To learn more about the usage of this phase, how it can be implemented in sentences and much more, keep reading this blog post.  

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Alarums and Excursions Idiom: Meaning & Origin

In a broader significance, the idiom speaks of all the unexpected disruptions that life throws our way. It also indicates all the challenges that a person comes across in his/her daily life. Alarums and excursions idiom also serves as a reminder that, in a world where things are always changing and uncertain, life is full of surprises—both good and bad—and that, as humans, we are resilient enough to adjust and deal with these setbacks.

Take a look at these sentences that will help you understand the idiom:

• The unexpected discovery of a rare artefact in the archaeological dig created a whirlwind of alarums and excursions among the researchers.
• The sudden power outage at the airport plunged the passengers and staff into a chaotic state of alarums and excursions.

Going back into history, the ‘Alarums and Excursions’ idiom was recorded during the time of Shakespeare, a literary titan who wielded language with masterful precision. The idiom originates from Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet,” where it is used to describe the chaotic events taking place in Denmark.

Alarums and Excursions Idiom Example Sentences

To help you better understand, we have put together a few sentences using this idiom which will give you an idiom on how to use it. 

• The unexpected arrival of the guests threw the household into a state of alarums and excursions.
• The news of the impending disaster caused a flurry of alarums and excursions in the city.
• The stock market crash sparked a period of alarums and excursions in the financial world.
• The unexpected announcement of the company’s bankruptcy sent the employees into a frenzy of alarums and excursions.
• The sudden outbreak of the disease caused a wave of alarums and excursions throughout the country.

Also Read: Hush Money Idiom: Meaning, Synonyms & Examples

Synonyms for Alarums and Excursions Idiom

Enough of the meaning and origin, it is now time you look at the synonyms of ‘alarums and excursions’ idiom which you can easily use and enhance your writing by bringing variation to it. 

Uproar	Commotion
Turmoil	Fuss

If you are looking for some more of the synonyms then you can refer to the picture below. You can easily save and download it for future reference.

Also Read: Stir Up a Hornet’s Nest Idiom: Check Meaning, Synonyms & More

Alarums and Excursions Idiom Quiz

Now that you have gone through all the information above, it now time to test yourself. We have prepared this quiz for you which will help you. You can check your performance through the answers mentioned at the end.

Question 1:

What does the idiom “alarums and excursions” mean?

A. A period of peace and tranquillity

B. A state of great excitement or commotion

C. A feeling of sadness or despair

D. A desire to travel

Question 2:

Where does the idiom “alarums and excursions” originate from?

A. A Greek myth

B. A Shakespearean play

C. A French novel

D. A Chinese proverb

Question 3:

Which of the following is a synonym for the idiom “alarums and excursions”?

A. Serenity

B. Calmness

C. Chaos

D. Peace

Question 4:

How can the idiom “alarums and excursions” be used in a sentence?

A. The peaceful countryside was filled with alarums and excursions.

B. The sudden news caused a great deal of alarums and excursions.

C. The relaxing spa day was full of alarums and excursions.

D. The quiet library was filled with alarums and excursions.

Question 5:

What is the root word of “alarum”?

A. Alarm

B. Alarmed

C. Alarming

D. Alert

Check Your Answers:

1. B. A state of great excitement or commotion
2. B. A Shakespearean play
3. C. Chaos
4. B. The sudden news caused a great deal of alarums and excursions.
5. A. Alarm

FAQs

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