I’m bilingual, and it’s the first time I encountered this phrase – what does “be there with bells on” mean?
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It means to go somewhere (there) eagerly or with enthusiasm.
You can take this idiom quite literally.
When you go somewhere with bells on:
1. You dressed up (people don’t usually wear bells)
2. You’re making yourself noticed (bells are noticeable, and when you’re noticed, you can’t help but socialize)
3. You’ll be making noises (bells make noise, and noise means active and fun)
People put bells on their hats or shoes in England’s medieval times for special occasions, and that’s where the phrase came from. It basically means to be enthusiastic about an event.
Hope this helps.