I'll be there with bells on In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "I'll be there with bells on", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

Helen Nguyen

2020-12-14 05:12

Meaning of I'll be there with bells on

Synonyms:

with knobs on , I can't wait!

I'll be there with bells on American positive

To be there with bells on is to be eager or excited to take part in something. It is usually used to respond to a party invitation

A: "Are you coming to Kathy's birthday party tonight"? B: "Of course, I will be there with bells on"

Thanks for your wedding invitation. I will be there with bells on

Origin of I'll be there with bells on

Chu thich cho nay — *This phrase was first used in a report of a boxing match ( Image source: Internet)*

The phrase derived from in the late 19th/early 20th centuries and most of the early citations of it suggest a US origin. The first record of it that was found in print is from The Oakland Trbune, June 1904, in a report of a boxing match:

"Jeff will without doubt be in good condition by the last of the month and barring further accidents will be there with bells on".

The phrase is paralleled in the UK by 'with knobs on', which means, 'with additional ornament'.

While "With bells on" is largely reserved as being an enthusiastic response or as indicating additional ornament, both it and 'with (brass) knobs on' are also used as aggressive responses to a challenge. One might hear all of these in conversation. (Source: phrases.org.uk)