What does the idiom bells and whistles mean?

What does the idiom bells and whistles mean?

: items or features that are useful or decorative but not essential : frills.

Where did ring a bell come from?

Origin. The origin of this phrase is unclear, but there are some theories. One theory refers to Pavlov’s experiments with dogs, where he used a bell to invoke memories. When the dogs were served food, a bell was rung.

What does it mean no bells and whistles?

special features or other things which are not necessary parts of something, but which are added to make it more attractive or interesting.

What is another word for bells and whistles?

What is another word for bells and whistles?

frill	embellishment
frippery	flashiness
gewgaw	fandangle
gimcrack	foppery
fanciness	folderol

What does waiting with bells on mean?

I or we “will be there with bells on” suggests attending somewhere with enthusiasm or arriving in a noticeable or festive way.

Is the phrase that rings a bell historically accurate?

The origin of this phrase is unclear, but there are some theories. One theory refers to Pavlov’s experiments with dogs, where he used a bell to invoke memories. When the dogs were served food, a bell was rung. Another theory suggests that bells have been used to remind or instruct us to do something since a long time.

What does ringing bells mean?

phrase. If you say that something rings a bell, you mean that it reminds you of something, but you cannot remember exactly what it is.

When should you use bells and whistles?

You can call special features of something bells and whistles if they are not necessary parts of something, but are added to make the thing more attractive or interesting.

How do you use bells and whistles in a sentence?

(idiomatic) Extra features added for show rather than function; fancy additions or features. His new car has all the bells and whistles, but it doesn’t move through traffic jams any faster. The bells and whistles do not impress me. I need a new phone, but I don’t want all those fancy bells and whistles on it!

Why do they say with bells on?

Ready to celebrate, eagerly, as in Of course I’ll come; I’ll be there with bells on. This metaphoric expression alludes to decorating oneself or one’s clothing with little bells for some special performance or occasion.

Why do they say fell off the wagon?

The water was used to moisten dusty streets and not really potable. That soon evolved into proclaiming that a person was “on the water wagon.” Once someone hopped on the proverbial water wagon, it followed that a lapse in their devotion would see them fall “off” the water wagon.

What does ringing a bell symbolize?

Throughout society and culture all around the world, a bell has a multitude of symbolic meanings and purposes. Bells can symbolize beginnings and endings, a call to order, or even a command or a warning. Here at Bell, the symbol of our bell encompasses all of these.

Where did the phrase bells and whistles come from?

The origin of the phrase appears to be American, although few sources agree on the original device which inspired it. Some believe it refers to the literal bells and whistles found on trolley cars and passenger locomotives of the 19th century.

What does the saying all the bells and whistles mean?

In marketing terms, a product arriving with all the bells and whistles usually denotes the top of the line, packed with all sorts of non-essential but useful add-ons and upgrades. The term is frequently used to describe high-end electronic products designed specifically for customers who can afford instant upgrades.

Bells and whistles (idiom) When something has bells and whistles on it, it means that it has lots of cool features.

What is the origin of Jingle Bells?

The Origin of Jingle Bells. Jingle Bells is one of the most popular and commonly sung Christmas songs . It’s original title was ‘One Horse in an Open Sleigh’ and written by James Lord Pierpont sometime during 1822–1893 intended for the Thanksgiving season.