What is the origin of 'be there with bells on'?
Question #34778. Asked by Jack Nesbit. (Jun 03 03 3:31 PM)
2mbarrassed2say
To be there with bells on means 'eagerly, ready to enjoy oneself.' One source suggests that this phrase arose when horses and carriages were the primary mode of transportation. On special occasions, say on the way to a party, the horses would be fitted with bells for a festive sound, echoing the carriage passengers' plans to enjoy themselves.
Or was it originally 'bee there with bells on' which referred to 'One that is extraordinary or remarkable' which is another way of saying humdinger.
Jun 03 03, 4:36 PM
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It's so interesting to discover the origins of the sayings we use. So many of the original meanings have been lost or forgotten. Some of them are available by googling them, but I find that it is generally quite difficult to discover the origins. Sometimes talking to an older person can give you some clues, because they may remember life in their youth. Things that they may have used or activities they may have done will often provide some of the hidden meanings.
I imagine that almost every language/culture is rich in favorite sayings that get passed down through the generations.
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