trigger alarm bells

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "trigger alarm bells" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has raised concerns or warnings about a potential problem or issue. Example: "The sudden drop in sales figures began to trigger alarm bells among the management team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This should trigger alarm bells for many; terms and methods acquired from Pick Up Artists should be treated with extreme scepticism at the very least.

The Guardian

It makes sense to trigger alarm bells rather than be complacent – especially when you read about a crowd screaming "National socialism, now, now, now!" somewhere in Germany.

The Guardian - Opinion

William C. Triplett, a former Republican counsel on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the report's conclusions about China's ballistic-missile program should trigger alarm bells about China's intentions.

The New York Times

Asked by fiscal depute Geoffrey Main if finding the chip triggered a red alert, Mr Wright replied: "It didn't trigger alarm bells that something was fundamentally wrong with the gearbox".

BBC

"These findings should trigger alarm bells for our society to address the challenges with debt millions are facing," said Scott Saunders, founder and CEO of Payoff, in a press release.

Forbes

Still, their combined market share would be a concern to regulators and could trigger alarm bells.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"To have three young men found dead in public places in mysterious, unexplained circumstances – all within a mile of each other and within the space of three months – should have triggered alarm bells.

Independent

The Ukraine crisis has made citizens and policymakers nervous, as Estonia has a sizable ethnic Russian minority and Putin's call to protect Russian populations in post-Soviet states has triggered alarm bells.

The Guardian

A case in February in Afghanistan's Kunar province, bordering Fata and KP, has triggered alarm bells, prompting both countries to speed up the immunisation drive in border areas.

The Guardian

Eventually, they managed to break out but demanded a priest was brought in or they wouldn't work again". During the building of the nearby Birmingham Eye Centre in 1996, the site was monitored by CCTV, which triggered alarm bells when a ghostly grey figure was spotted.

The Guardian

For example, a savvy bean counter knows how to claim the maximum home-office deduction without triggering alarm bells at the Internal Revenue Service.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "trigger alarm bells" to signal an immediate sense of concern or warning, especially when something unexpected happens. This phrase is effective for grabbing attention and highlighting potential problems.

Common error

Avoid using "trigger alarm bells" in casual conversation. While the phrase is widely understood, it's best reserved for formal writing, news reports, or professional settings where a serious tone is appropriate. Simpler alternatives like "raise concerns" may be more suitable for informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "trigger alarm bells" functions as a verb phrase that describes an action initiating concern or warning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and conveys a clear meaning.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "trigger alarm bells" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression that effectively conveys the onset of concern or a warning. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is suitable for use in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Although not overly common, it serves as a robust method for emphasizing that a particular situation warrants immediate consideration. When choosing alternatives like "raise concerns" or "set off red flags", carefully consider the subtle semantic differences to ensure the most appropriate choice. While generally neutral in register, avoid overuse in overly casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise concerns

Indicates the act of causing worry or unease, shifting the focus from a sudden alert to a gradual build-up of apprehension.

set off red flags

Emphasizes the signaling of danger or problems, changing the imagery from auditory to visual cues.

ring warning bells

Alters the verb but retains the auditory imagery of a warning signal, making the expression slightly more literal.

spark apprehension

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety that arises, rather than the signal itself.

generate suspicion

Highlights the creation of doubt or mistrust, shifting the focus to a more specific negative feeling.

cause unease

Simplifies the expression to a general feeling of discomfort or worry.

prompt wariness

Emphasizes a cautious or guarded attitude that arises as a result.

arouse suspicion

Highlights the act of making someone suspicious, focusing on a particular emotional response.

provoke anxiety

Focuses on the feeling of anxiety that arises, rather than the signal itself.

signal danger

Directly indicates the presence of risk, removing the figurative language of alarm bells.

FAQs

How can I use "trigger alarm bells" in a sentence?

You can use "trigger alarm bells" to indicate that something has caused concern or warning. For example, "The sudden drop in sales figures began to trigger alarm bells among the management team."

What can I say instead of "trigger alarm bells"?

You can use alternatives like "raise concerns", "set off red flags", or "ring warning bells" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "trigger alarm bells" or "raise alarm bells"?

"Trigger alarm bells" is more common and idiomatic. While "raise alarm bells" is understandable, it is less frequently used. "Trigger alarm bells" accurately conveys the sense of something initiating a warning.

What's the difference between "trigger alarm bells" and "ring alarm bells"?

"Trigger alarm bells" implies an action that causes the alarm, while "ring alarm bells" describes the sound or signal itself. The former emphasizes the cause, and the latter emphasizes the effect.