branle-bas de combat
French
editEtymology
editLiterally, “battle branle-bas”, as distinct from a regular branle-bas.
Pronunciation
editNoun
editbranle-bas de combat m (plural branle-bas de combat)
- (nautical, archaic) the hurried taking down of hammocks in a ship as preparation for imminent battle; action stations
- (figuratively) flurry, uproar, bustle, commotion
- Synonyms: remue-ménage, chambard, bordel