fear gauge
n.— «The selling was largely driven by a sharp rise in volatility, with the Vix index, often referred to as Wall Street’s “fear gauge” hitting a two-year high.» —“Emerging equities suffer worst losing streak since 1998″ by Steve Johnson Financial Times (United Kingdom) May 26, 2006. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
The archaic English word ruelle means “the space between a bed and the wall.” It’s adapted from French ruelle meaning “a small alley or lane.” This is part of a complete episode.
Related
She sells seashells by the seashore. Who is the she in this tongue twister? Some claim it’s the young Mary Anning, who went on to become a famous 19th-century British paleontologist. Dubious perhaps, but the story of her rise from seaside...