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    What is the origin of the phrase "When the balloon goes up"?

    Question #68353. Asked by davejacobs. (Jul 17 06 10:44 AM)


    Analiafc

    		The phrase comes from World War I;british artillery sent up a baloon advicing to open fire.

    From: Answers.com

    Jul 17 06, 11:10 AM
    zbeckabee

    		Balloon: When the balloon goes up is a phrase used to imply impending trouble. This relates to the use of observation balloons in the first World War. The sight of such a balloon going up nearly always resulted in a barrage of shells following soon after. The expression was re-inforced during WW2 when the hoisting of barrage balloons was part of the preparations for an air raid.

    http://www.briggs13.fsnet.co.uk/book/b.htm

    Jul 17 06, 4:55 PM

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