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- with bells on
with bells on
with bells on (one's toes)
Fig. eagerly, willingly, and on time. Oh, yes! I'll meet you at the restaurant. I'll be there with bells on. All the smiling children were there waiting for me with bells on their toes.
with bells on
with a lot of enthusiasm a€?Are you going to the party tonight, Michael?a€? a€?I'll be there with bells on.a€?
with bells on
1. (British humorous) if you describe something as a particular thing with bells on, you mean that it has similar qualities to that thing but they are more extreme This latest series is melodrama with bells on.
2. (American & Australian humorous) if you go somewhere or do something with bells on, you do it with a lot of interest and energy I'll be at the party with bells on.
with bells on
Ready to celebrate, eagerly, as in Of course I'll come; I'll be there with bells on. This metaphoric expression alludes to decorating oneself or one's clothing with little bells for some special performance or occasion. A well-known nursery rhyme has: "See a fine lady upon a white horse, Rings on her fingers and bells on her toes, And she shall have music wherever she goes" (in Gammer Gurton's Garland, 1784).
with bells on
mod. ready to go; eager. I promise to be there at five in the morning with bells on.