ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ding dong

idiom
Meaning

a noisy argument or fight, often short and dramatic.


Origin

disputed origin

See ding-dong

Examples
SIMPLE

The neighbors had a loud ding dong over the fence today.

CONTEXTUAL

The meeting turned into a real ding dong when the managers started arguing about the budget.

COMPLEX

Following the controversial decision, a heated ding dong broke out between the committee members, lasting until the early hours of the morning.

Last updated April 22, 2026