Alarm bells ring/start ringing
verb
Used to say that something is worrying and might involve danger.
The amount of money he spent on a new car made alarm bells ring.
Often appears as...
- something/someone made alarm bells ring
- alarm bells started ringing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
Used to signal that something is wrong or suspicious.
His unusual behavior at work was enough to start ringing alarm bells.
Often appears as...
- start ringing alarm bells
- his/her actions should ring alarm bells
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
Used to say that something is worrying and might involve danger.
The amount of money he spent on a new car made alarm bells ring.
Often appears as...
- something/someone made alarm bells ring
- alarm bells started ringing
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
Used to signal that something is wrong or suspicious.
His unusual behavior at work was enough to start ringing alarm bells.
Often appears as...
- start ringing alarm bells
- his/her actions should ring alarm bells
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
The phrase is used metaphorically to represent a feeling of concern, not actual ringing bells.
When he missed another deadline, alarm bells started ringing for his supervisor.
Pro Tip 2/3Empathy Signal
Use this phrase to express empathy when someone shares a worrying situation.
She said the company hadn't paid her in months, and that really made alarm bells ring for me.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase indicates a strong emotional response to potential danger or problem.
The sight of my stolen documents made alarm bells ring in my head.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
The phrase is used metaphorically to represent a feeling of concern, not actual ringing bells.
When he missed another deadline, alarm bells started ringing for his supervisor.
Pro Tip 2/3Empathy Signal
Use this phrase to express empathy when someone shares a worrying situation.
She said the company hadn't paid her in months, and that really made alarm bells ring for me.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase indicates a strong emotional response to potential danger or problem.
The sight of my stolen documents made alarm bells ring in my head.
Pro Tip 1/3Figurative Use
The phrase is used metaphorically to represent a feeling of concern, not actual ringing bells.
When he missed another deadline, alarm bells started ringing for his supervisor.
Pro Tip 2/3Empathy Signal
Use this phrase to express empathy when someone shares a worrying situation.
She said the company hadn't paid her in months, and that really made alarm bells ring for me.
Pro Tip 3/3Emotional Intensity
The phrase indicates a strong emotional response to potential danger or problem.
The sight of my stolen documents made alarm bells ring in my head.
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