ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bell out

idiom
Meaning

To open out into a bell shape.


Examples
SIMPLE

The fabric of her skirt bells out at the bottom.

CONTEXTUAL

As the wind caught her dress, the hem began to bell out around her legs.

COMPLEX

The architect designed the base of the tower to bell out gracefully, providing both structural stability and a striking visual contrast to the narrow spire above.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bear away the bell

    To be superior in something.

  2. 02

    bell the cat

    To undertake a dangerous action in the service of a group.

  3. 03

    lose the bell

    To be defeated in a contest.

  4. 04

    ring a bell

    To seem at least vaguely familiar.

  5. 05

    ring one's bell

    To strike or bump one's own head with a strong blow, especially with concussive force.

  6. 06

    ring someone's bell

    To physically traumatize someone with a strong blow, especially a concussive blow to the head.

  7. 07

    save by the bell

    To rescue or favorably assist (someone) by means of a timely interruption or the sudden termination of difficult circumstances.

  8. 08

    saved by the bell

    Rescued or favorably assisted by a timely interruption or by the sudden termination of difficult circumstances.

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