bells

[ belz ]

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. Informal. bell-bottom ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of bells¹

1965–70; by shortening of the full phrase, as in shorts from short pants

Example Sentences

"If the mother doesn’t feel like they want to be with their baby, there should be alarm bells ringing."

From BBC

For the remaining scholars, coaches and advocates, the movement to end no-fault divorce gaining any more ground sets off alarm bells.

From Salon

It's not a gimmick or a schtick, this is a fully-fledged game of football, at Cliftonhill on Saturday at three o'clock, with all the bells and whistles and with three points on the line.

From BBC

The only day the clock tells the true time is during the countdown to the midnight bells during Edinburgh's big Hogmanay celebrations on 31 December.

From BBC

"That to me was alarm bells, everyone knew that was something I had to do."

From BBC

Related Words

• blessing
• confirmation
• consent
• endorsement
• go ahead
• green light
• license
• mandate
• permission
• ratification
• recommendation
• sanction
• support