1. Give someone a bell
Meaning: to phone someone.
“I’m free on Saturday. Give us a bell and we’ll sort something out.”
Notice the word us. In casual British English, “us” often means me: “Give us a bell” = “Call me”. You’ll also hear give someone a ring, give someone a buzz or simply give someone a call.
2. Ring a bell
Meaning: to sound familiar.
“Does the name Sarah Jones ring a bell?”
“Hmm, it rings a bell, but I can’t remember where from.”
And if it doesn’t sound familiar at all: “No, sorry, it doesn’t ring a bell.”
3. Alarm bells (start) ringing
Meaning: you start to feel that something is wrong.
“Alarm bells started ringing when the landlord asked to be paid in cash only.”
4. Bells and whistles
Meaning: extra features, often ones you don’t really need.
“I don’t need a phone with all the bells and whistles. I just want a good camera.”
5. Saved by the bell
Meaning: rescued from a difficult situation at the very last moment.
“My boss was about to ask me about the report, then her phone rang. Saved by the bell!”
Your turn
Have a go, then tap to check your answer.
I met him at a party last year. His name definitely ______.
rings a bell
When you get home, ______ and tell me how it went.
give us a bell
I nearly missed my turn to speak, but the meeting ran out of time. ______!
Saved by the bell