Definition

Noun: A bell that is rung to signal a warning or alert, typically to indicate danger, an emergency, or the need for immediate attention.

Usage

The term "warning bell" refers specifically to the physical bell or its sound used as an alarm signal. It is often used in literal contexts but can also be used metaphorically.

Examples

• The ringing of the warning bell told everyone in the factory to evacuate immediately.
• When the fire broke out, the warning bell echoed through the school halls.
• His strange behavior should have been a warning bell that something was wrong. (Metaphorical use)
• The system is designed to sound a warning bell if pressure becomes too high.

Advanced Usage

• To sound a warning bell: To act as a sign that something is wrong or dangerous.
  • The sudden drop in sales should sound a warning bell for the company's management.
• To set off warning bells: To cause feelings of suspicion or concern.
  • His vague answers set off warning bells in the interviewer's mind.

Variants and Related Words

• Alarm bell: A very close synonym, often used interchangeably with "warning bell."
• Tocsin: A historical term for an alarm bell or signal.

Synonyms

• Alarm
• Alert
• Signal
• Siren (though a siren is typically an electronic sound, not a bell)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A wake-up call: An event that warns someone to change their behavior (less specific to an immediate physical alarm).
  • The heart attack was a wake-up call for him to start exercising.
• To ring alarm bells: To cause serious concern (more common in British English).
  • The report's findings should ring alarm bells for policymakers.

Noun

1. a bell used to sound an alarm