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sound as a bell

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*sound as a bell

in perfect condition or health; undamaged. (*Also: as ~.) The doctor says that the old man's heart's as sound as a bell. I thought the vase was broken when it fell, but it was sound as a bell.

See also: bell, sound

sound as a bell

In excellent condition, as in Now that the brakes have been relined, the car is sound as a bell, or The surgery went well and now he's sound as a bell. This simile rests on the assumption that the bell in question is not cracked (which would make it useless). First recorded in 1565, it has survived numerous other similes ( sound as a top or roach or dollar), probably owing to its pun on "sound."

See also: bell, sound