# unring a bell

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/unring-a-bell
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To reverse the irreversible; to perform the impossible.

## Examples

- Once you say it, you cannot unring a bell.
- The lawyer knew that after the jury heard the evidence, it was impossible to unring a bell.
- Even if the politician issues a formal apology, he cannot unring a bell regarding the damaging remarks he made during the debate.

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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.