# bells and whistles

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bells-and-whistles
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Extra features added for show rather than function; fancy additions or features.

## Examples

- The new phone has all the bells and whistles.
- I just need a basic laptop, not one with all the bells and whistles.
- The software, stripped of its bells and whistles, proved far more reliable than the bloated version marketing had demanded.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.