With bells on

Meaning

Eagerly and enthusiastically.

Usage

Used when someone accepts an invitation with great enthusiasm.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

The exact origin is uncertain; a popular story links it to Morris dancers wearing bells.

The date of first use is uncertain.