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

Analiafc

The phrase comes from World War I;british artillery sent up a baloon advicing to open fire. From: Answers.com Jul 17 06, 12:10 PM

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, 5:55 PM

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