alarm (redirected from alarms)

alarm bells start to ring

set (the) alarm bells ringing - if something sets alarm bells ringing, it makes you feel worried because it is a sign that there may be a problem. Alarm bells started to ring (= I became worried) when I found out that he still lived with his mother.

See also: bell, ring, start

a false alarm

a situation when you think that something bad or dangerous is going to happen but you discover you were wrong. Someone called to say there was a bomb inside the building, but it turned out to be a false alarm.

See also: false

ring/sound alarm bells

set (the) alarm bells ringing - if something sets alarm bells ringing, it makes you feel worried because it is a sign that there may be a problem. The huge vote for fascist candidates should ring alarm bells (= cause people to worry) across Europe.

See also: bell, ring, sound

set (the) alarm bells ringing

if something sets alarm bells ringing, it makes you feel worried because it is a sign that there may be a problem. Symptoms which should set alarm bells ringing are often ignored by doctors.

See also: bell, ring, set

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set off alarm bells

to warn of trouble and the need for action. The report about worldwide climate change should sound alarm bells in every community.

See also: bell, set