set alarm bells ringing

To cause concern due to being an indication that there is something wrong. The new report set alarm bells ringing among the board members because it forecasts a large decrease in enrollment. If your date asks you to meet in a secluded place, it should set alarm bells ringing.

See also: alarm, bell, ring, set

See also:

set off alarm bells
alarm bells start ringing
warning bells start ringing
alarm bells start to ring
nine tailors make a man
bringing in the bells
set off a false alarm
bell
be ringing off the hook
toll the death knell

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