PhrasesHub

With bells on

    Definitions

      • eagerly agree or accept
        Expressing enthusiastic agreement or willingness to participate in something eagerly

      • with great pleasure
        Expressing willingness or eagerness to do something with joy and delight

    Examples of With bells on

    • Jane enthusiastically presented her proposal to the CEO with bells on, meaning she was completely prepared and confident in her presentation.

      The origin of this idiom dates back to the 1940s, when soldiers would wear bells on their hats during Christmas parades to spread cheer and happiness. Using this idiom in a work context implies that the individual has left no stone unturned and is fully prepared, confident, and optimistic about the outcome of their presentation or proposal.

    • Tom was excited to show off his new car to his friends. He washed and polished it till it shone with bells on.

      When we say that something shines with bells on, it means that it is polished or clean to an extent that it seems as if bells would ring as you move around it. In this example, Tom's enthusiasm and pride in his new car is evident, and he wants it to be in pristine condition for his friends to admire.

    • The school organised an event to promote reading, and the little kids showed up dressed as their favourite book characters with bells on.

      In this case, we use the idiom with a slightly different meaning. Here, it demonstrates that the kids came to the event fully prepared and dressed up in their costumes, displaying their excitement and eagerness to participate in the event.

    • The new restaurant had all the trimmings with bells on. From the décor to the menu, everything was perfect.

      This idiom communicates that the new restaurant has everything that a customer could expect - it is well-prepared, equipped with all the required facilities, and is in excellent condition. Everything is set up and ready to go, with all the necessary accessories or extras, just like we attach bells to our hats or presents.

    • Sally was excited to present her project to the CEO, with bells on.

      This means that Sally was extremely enthusiastic and could not have been more prepared or eager to present her project to the CEO. The phrase "with bells on" implies that Sally had gone above and beyond in her preparation and was eagerly anticipating the presentation.

    • The group celebrated their team's win, with bells on.

      This means that the group was reveling in the joy and excitement of their team's victory, showing their enthusiasm in an enthusiastic and exuberant way. The phrase "with bells on" highlights the group's immense satisfaction and pride in their victory.

    • Jack proposed to Sarah, with bells on.

      This means that Jack made an absolutely wonderful and romantic proposal to Sarah, leaving her feeling completely ecstatic and delighted. The phrase "with bells on" emphasizes the grandeur and extravagance of the proposal.

    • The teachers praised the students' hard work, with bells on.

      This means that the teachers were exceptionally proud of the students' efforts and recognized their accomplishments in a very enthusiastic and effusive way. The phrase "with bells on" highlights the magnitude of the teachers' praise.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "with bells on" is used to express enthusiastic agreement or willingness to participate in something eagerly with great pleasure.

    Origin of "With bells on"

    The origin of the idiom "with bells on" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in the United States. The phrase may have originated from the idea of adding bells to something as a decorative or celebratory element, signifying eagerness or enthusiasm. Over time, it evolved to convey the idea of eagerly agreeing or participating in something with great pleasure. The use of bells as a symbol of joy and celebration may have contributed to the evolution of the idiom. However, the exact origin and evolution of the phrase remain uncertain.

    Examples of usage can be found in literature and spoken language, where individuals use the idiom to express their enthusiastic agreement or willingness to participate in something eagerly with great pleasure.