warning bell

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A bell that rings to alert people to danger or an approaching event, such as a closing gate or fire.

   Grammar: Plural warning bells: the warning bells sounded.

   Patterns

   • a warning bell rings
   • sound a warning bell

   The warning bell at the crossing rang as the train approached.

   When the warning bell sounded, the students lined up.

   A warning bell on the ship alerted the crew.

2. 2nouncountablefigurative

   A sign that something bad or risky may be about to happen.

   Grammar: Figurative, often in the plural with ring or sound: warning bells rang.

   Patterns

   • warning bells ring

   His sudden silence set off warning bells in her mind.

   The unpaid invoices were a warning bell for the whole company.

   If the numbers drop again, it will be a warning bell for the manager.

Word forms

Common combinations

ring a warning bell

The strange email rang a warning bell.

warning bells sound

Warning bells sounded when the cost doubled.

hear a warning bell

I heard a warning bell go off in my head.

set off a warning bell

His comment set off a warning bell.

Synonyms and how they differ

alarm bell

Alarm bell is the more common figurative phrase, usually in the plural.

red flag

Red flag is a visual metaphor for a clear warning sign.

alert

Alert is any warning signal, not specifically a bell.

Opposites

Word family

warn verb

to tell someone of danger

warning noun

a sign of danger

bell noun

a ringing metal object

Commonly confused: warning bell or wedding bell?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “warning bell”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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