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Region: UK | Usage example: He arrived with bells on for the celebratory dinner.

With bells on

Meaning

Eagerly and enthusiastically.

Usage

Used when someone accepts an invitation with great enthusiasm.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

English Morris dancers once wore bells and meant to show up gladly.

A British phrase dating to the early nineteenth century.