bell out
To open out into a bell shape.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The fabric of her skirt bells out at the bottom.”
“As the wind caught her dress, the hem began to bell out around her legs.”
“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.”
- 01
bear away the bell
To be superior in something.
- 02
bell the cat
To undertake a dangerous action in the service of a group.
- 03
bells and whistles
Extra features added for show rather than function; fancy additions or features.
- 04
lose the bell
To be defeated in a contest.
- 05
pull the other one, it's got bells on
Expresses disbelief.
- 06
ring a bell
To seem at least vaguely familiar.
- 07
ring one's bell
To strike or bump one's own head with a strong blow, especially with concussive force.
- 08
ring someone's bell
To physically traumatize someone with a strong blow, especially a concussive blow to the head.
Last updated August 10, 2026