alarums and excursions

noun[plural only]2

1. •
   All the sounds and activities of preparations for war.

   • The French armies were not far off, and there were alarums and excursions all along the border. — 1898
2. •
   Any frantic activity.

   • The various alarums and excursions in The Rock that early evening did not dent attendance at these meetings very much […] — 1991