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Glite Dictionary
sound as a bell

sound as a bell

1 6.0
In very good working condition and reliable
  • idiom
: en perfecto estado
  • Her explanation of the project was sound as a bell, making it easy for everyone to understand.

Examples

  • He's as sound as a bell, sir.

    War Horse (2011)

  • She's sound as a bell.

    An Awfully Big Adventure (1995)

  • She said, "It's good of you to be concerned, Lottie, but my son is a very ordinary little boy and sound as a bell."

    Fiction book (1990)

  • Sound as a bell.

    Bridget Jones's Baby (2016)

  • The car is running sound as a bell after the recent maintenance work.

  • Despite the long journey, the old clock is still sound as a bell and keeps perfect time.

Synonyms

sound
vssound as a bell
77 2.3

In good condition and safe to use

means fully reliable and working perfectly rather than just generally healthy
undamaged
vssound as a bell
12 2.4

Not harmed or broken and still in its original condition

focuses on full reliability and perfect function not mere lack of harm

Antonyms

broken
∞ 1.0

Damaged or not whole and not working

faulty
24 3.5

Not correct because it has mistakes, for example in an argument or plan

How Functional

sound as a bell
1 6.0
working
322 1.0
faulty
71 3.5
broken
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

sound as a bell positive

Morphology

sound + as + a + bell

The adjective 'sound' (in good condition) combined with the simile 'as a bell' is compositionally predictable: the comparison to a bell implies a clear, intact quality that strengthens the meaning of 'sound.' This follows standard English comparison patterns, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can infer the meaning 'in perfect condition / functioning well.'

Etymology

Sound as a bell paints the picture of a clear bell that rings perfectly and loudly, with no cracks or problems. That's why calling something sound or sound as a bell means it is 'in perfect condition' or 'reliable'.