“(As) clear as a bell” is a common phrase used to describe something that is very clear and easy to understand. The phrase is often used to describe the clarity of sound, but it can also refer to the clarity of an idea or situation.
Definitions
The phrase “(as) clear as a bell” means that something is very clear and easy to understand. It can refer to the clarity of sound, the clarity of an idea or situation, or the clarity of a visual image.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “(as) clear as a bell” is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the late 16th century. The phrase may have originated from the sound of a bell ringing, which is a clear and distinct sound.
Meaning in different dictionaries
- Merriam-Webster: “very clear and easily heard or seen”.
- Oxford Dictionary: “very clear and distinct”.
- Cambridge Dictionary: “very clear and easy to hear or see”.
Associations
The phrase “(as) clear as a bell” is often associated with the clarity of sound. It is commonly used to describe the sound of a bell ringing, but it can also be used to describe other sounds that are clear and distinct.
Synonyms
- Crystal clear.
- Loud and clear.
- Unmistakable.
- Transparent.
- Obvious.
Antonyms
- Unclear.
- Indistinct.
- Muddled.
- Confused.
- Ambiguous.
The same root words
The phrase “(as) clear as a bell” does not have any specific root words, but it is related to the word “clear,” which comes from the Old English word “clǣr.”
Example Sentences
- “The sound of the bell was (as) clear as a bell.”
- “The instructions were (as) clear as a bell.”
- “The picture was (as) clear as a bell.”
The phrase “(as) clear as a bell” is a common expression used to describe something that is very clear and easy to understand. It can refer to the clarity of sound, the clarity of an idea or situation, or the clarity of a visual image. The phrase has been in use for centuries and is still commonly used today.