alarm bell

• Señal o aviso de que algo está mal, es peligroso o requiere atención inmediata. También se usa de forma metafórica para indicar un motivo de preocupación o alerta.

A warning sign or signal that something is wrong, dangerous, or requires immediate attention. Often used metaphorically to indicate a cause for concern.

1. Warning signalB2formal

   A sign or event that causes worry or indicates danger.

   señal de alarma

   • The sudden drop in sales set off alarm bells for the company.
   • His strange behavior rang alarm bells with his friends.
   • The report sounded alarm bells about the state of the economy.

2. Literal bellA2formal

   A bell that rings to warn of danger or to signal an emergency.

   campana de alarma

   • The alarm bell rang loudly in the middle of the night.
   • Fire alarm bells are tested every month in the building.
   • The alarm bell woke everyone up during the drill.