hell's bells

interjection

, Informal.

1. (used to indicate vexation or surprise.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of hell's bells¹

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

I can still picture Mooney saying, “Hell’s bells, if it’s true, write it.”

From New York Times

The lights came up to the sound of AC/DC’s “Hell’s Bells” on the Talkhouse sound system.

From New York Times

For the premier closer, the entrance is a scene in itself, with music to fire up a crowd: “Enter Sandman” for Mariano Rivera; “Hell’s Bells” for Trevor Hoffman; “Welcome to the Jungle” for Eric Gagne.

From Los Angeles Times

“Hell’s bells — I have put the money in, and I am going for the max,” she said.

From New York Times

This solitude that’s being forced on me and my wife is — hell’s bells as it is — just standard operating procedure.

From Los Angeles Times