Skip to main content

'Give the Alarm', 'Raise the Alarm' or 'Sound the Alarm'?

The idiom "give the alarm" means to sound a warning or signal of danger. It is typically used as a verb phrase. The origin of the phrase is likely related to the use of alarm systems or devices that were used to signal danger or alert others to potential danger.

In terms of part of speech, "give" is a verb and "the alarm" is a noun. The phrase "give the alarm" is used as a verb phrase, meaning to sound a warning or signal of danger. It is often used in contexts related to security or emergency situations.

'Give the Alarm', 'Raise the Alarm' or 'Sound the Alarm' meaning and examples

The appropriate use of the idiom "give the alarm" would be in situations where someone is warning others of potential danger or danger that is imminent. For example, "I saw the smoke and gave the alarm to evacuate the building." or "He heard the intruder and gave the alarm to call the police."

It's important to note that the idiomatic phrase "give the alarm" is not often used in daily conversation and is more commonly used in formal or official settings such as emergency, security or military. In informal conversation, one may use more common phrase such as "raise the alarm" or "sound the alarm" to convey the same meaning.

Here are ten examples of how the idiom "give the alarm", "raise the alarm" or "sound the alarm" can be used in a sentence.
  1. I saw the fire and gave the alarm to call the fire department.
  2. He heard the burglar and raised the alarm to alert the neighbors.
  3. The security guard sounded the alarm when he saw the intruders.
  4. She noticed the gas leak and gave the alarm to evacuate the building.
  5. The smoke detector raised the alarm, alerting us to the fire.
  6. He heard the gunshots and sounded the alarm to call the police.
  7. The emergency button gave the alarm to alert the security team.
  8. The ship's crew raised the alarm when they saw the approaching storm.
  9. She noticed the suspicious activity and gave the alarm to call the authorities.
  10. The earthquake warning system sounded the alarm, alerting us to take cover.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

What Does “Eat Crow” Mean? Origin, Usage & Examples

The idiom “eat crow” means to admit you were wrong after insisting you were right. Figuratively, it refers to swallowing one’s pride, facing embarrassment, or conceding a mistake. Literally, it suggests the unpleasant act of eating a crow—a bird associated with being tough, gamey, and unappetizing. This contrast makes it a memorable piece of figurative language in English. Origin or Background The phrase “eat crow” first appeared in 19th-century America. One widely shared story comes from an 1850 newspaper article describing a farmer who lost a bet and was forced to eat a crow he had shot. Because crows were considered undesirable and even revolting to eat, the tale quickly gained symbolic meaning. Interestingly, similar expressions exist in other cultures, such as “eating humble pie” in British English, both carrying the idea of reluctantly accepting humiliation. Common Usage in Everyday English People use “eat crow” in situations where: Someone is proven wrong after c...

🌟 Unpacking the Phrase: What Does “Wrapped Up In” Really Mean? 🎁

In everyday language, we often use idioms to express emotions, involvement, or priorities. One such expression is “wrapped up in” , which might sound simple at first but actually carries layers of meaning. From being emotionally invested to physically covered or fully occupied, the phrase serves as a vivid linguistic tool. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the meaning of “wrapped up in” from different angles, providing context, examples, and insight into its versatile use across scenarios. 🎭 Emotional Angle: When You’re Wrapped Up in Feelings ❤️ The phrase is most commonly used to convey deep emotional involvement. When someone says they are wrapped up in a relationship, a problem, or a past experience, it means their mind and heart are entirely preoccupied by it. This usage reflects how emotional experiences can consume our thoughts and influence our actions. For example: “She was so wrapped up in her grief that she barely noticed the days passing by.” This emotiona...

πŸ’Œ The Meaning of the Idiom "You and Yours" 🫢 — Explained with Examples

When someone says "you and yours," it may sound poetic or old-fashioned, but it's still warm , meaningful , and used in modern conversations. This phrase is an elegant and affectionate way to include you and your loved ones , and it often appears in greetings, well wishes, and heartfelt messages. In this article, we will unpack the true meaning of the idiom "you and yours," explore how it's used in different contexts, and provide original sample sentences. Whether you're crafting a message, a speech, or just looking to understand everyday expressions more deeply, this guide is for you and yours . πŸ’‘ What Does "You and Yours" Really Mean? The idiom "you and yours" refers to you and the people closely connected to you — typically your family, partner, or loved ones . It's a collective expression that conveys inclusion, care, and community . ✅ “You” refers to the person being addressed. ✅ “Yours” extends to those who b...

Grain of Salt — Meaning, Origin, and How to Use It in Everyday English

Introduction Have you ever heard someone say, “Take that with a grain of salt” and wondered if you were supposed to… actually eat something? πŸ§‚ Probably not. This popular idiom isn’t about seasoning your food—it’s about seasoning your thinking! In this post, we’ll break down the meaning of “grain of salt,” explore its interesting origin , and give you plenty of examples so you can confidently use it in conversations. Meaning of Grain of Salt The idiom “grain of salt” means to view something with skepticism or caution —not to take it completely at face value. It suggests that you should slightly doubt or carefully consider the information before believing it. Two common uses: General skepticism: Not fully trusting a statement until you verify it. Mild doubt: Believing something might be exaggerated or inaccurate. Quick summary: To take something “with a grain of salt” means to not accept it as completely true without further proof . Origin of Grain of Salt The ...

Hit the Sack — Meaning, Origin, and How to Use It in Everyday English

Have you ever felt so tired after a long day that you just wanted to collapse into bed? That’s exactly when you might say, “I’m going to hit the sack.” This fun little idiom is one of the most common ways English speakers announce they’re ready to sleep. In this post, we’ll explore the meaning, origin, and examples of hit the sack , plus some similar phrases you can use. Meaning of “Hit the Sack” The idiom hit the sack simply means to go to bed or to go to sleep . It’s an informal expression, often used casually among friends or family. Sometimes it can also mean going to bed early because you’re very tired. πŸ‘‰ Short definition: Hit the sack = go to bed, go to sleep. Origin of “Hit the Sack” This idiom goes back to the early 1900s in America. At that time, mattresses weren’t always the soft, springy beds we know today. Instead, people often stuffed large cloth sacks with straw, hay, or similar materials to create something to sleep on. So when someone said, “I’m goin...