bell (redirected from bells the cat)

*clear as a bell

very clear, as with the sound of a bell. (*Also: as ~.) I fixed the radio, so now all the stations come in clear as a bell. Through the wall, I could hear the neighbors talking, just as clear as a bell.

See also: clear

*sound as a bell

in perfect condition or health; undamaged. (*Also: as ~.) The doctor says that the old man's heart's as sound as a bell. I thought the vase was broken when it fell, but it was sound as a bell.

See also: sound

bell, book, and candle things that are miraculous or that signal that something

unusual or bizarre may soon happen. (Alluding originally to the items used when performing the rite of excommunication from the Roman Catholic Church.) Look, I can't work miracles! Do you expect me to show up at your house with bell, book, and candle, and make everything right? You have to take charge of your own destiny! On the top shelf of the tiny used-book store, Jim saw a bell, book, and candle sitting in a row, and he knew he was going to find some very interesting reading material.

See also: and, candle, miraculous, signal, thing

bells and whistles

Fig. extra, fancy add-ons or gadgets. I like cars that are loaded with all the bells and whistles. All those bells and whistles add to the cost.

See also: and, whistle

Hell's bells (and buckets of blood)!

Inf. an exclamation of anger or surprise. (Use caution with hell.) Alice: Your pants are torn in back. John: Oh, hell's bells! What will happen next? Bill: Well, Jane, looks like you just flunked calculus. Jane: Hell's bells and buckets of blood! What do I do now?

ring a bell

Fig. [for something] to cause someone to remember something or for it to seem familiar. I've never met John Franklin, but his name rings a bell. Whenever I see a bee, it rings a bell. I remember when I was stung by one.

See also: ring

ring the bell

Inf. to be just what is needed; to hit the spot. This cold water really rings the bell. A good hot bowl of soup would ring the bell about now.

See also: ring

saved by the bell

Cliché saved by the timely intervention of someone or something. (Alludes to a boxer who is saved from being counted out by the bell that ends a round.) I was going to have to do my part, but someone knocked on the door and I didn't have to do it. I was saved by the bell. I wish I had been saved by the bell.

See also: save

with bells on (one's toes)

Fig. eagerly, willingly, and on time. Oh, yes! I'll meet you at the restaurant. I'll be there with bells on. All the smiling children were there waiting for me with bells on their toes.

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be as sound as a bell

to be very healthy or in very good condition Her constitution is as sound as a bell.

See also: sound

bells and whistles

the things that something, especially a device or machine, has or does that are not necessary but that make it more exciting or interesting Your computer software may have all the latest bells and whistles, but is it good value for money?

See also: and, whistle

give somebody a bell  (British & Australian informal)

to telephone someone Give me a bell when you get home so I know you're OK.

See ring a bell, Saved by the bell

See also: give

Hell's bells!  (old-fashioned)

something that you say when you are very surprised or annoyed Hell's bells, the washing machine's overflowing again!

ring a bell  also ring any bells

if a phrase or a word, especially a name, rings a bell, you think you have heard it before Does the name 'Fitzpatrick' ring a bell? (often + with ) No, I'm sorry, that description doesn't ring any bells with me.

See also: ring

Saved by the bell.

something that you say when a difficult situation is ended suddenly before you have to do or say something that you do not want to

Usage notes: In a boxing match, a bell rings when it is time for the fighting to stop.

Luckily, my bus arrived before I had time to reply. Saved by the bell.

See also: Save

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: alarm, ring, set

with bells on 

1. (British humorous) if you describe something as a particular thing with bells on, you mean that it has similar qualities to that thing but they are more extreme This latest series is melodrama with bells on.

2. (American & Australian humorous) if you go somewhere or do something with bells on, you do it with a lot of interest and energy I'll be at the party with bells on.

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ring a bell

to seem familiar “We live in Walnut Creek.” “I don't know why that rings a bell.”

Related vocabulary: have a familiar ring (to it)

See also: ring

set off alarm bells also ring 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: alarm, set

with bells on

with a lot of enthusiasm “Are you going to the party tonight, Michael?” “I’ll be there with bells on.”