set alarm bells ringing

set alarm bells ringing

To cause concern due to being an indication that there is something wrong. The new report set alarm bells ringing among the board members because it forecasts a large decrease in enrollment. If your date asks you to meet in a secluded place, it should set alarm bells ringing.
See also: alarm, bell, ring, set
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • set off alarm bells
  • alarm bells start ringing
  • warning bells start ringing
  • alarm bells start to ring
  • nine tailors make a man
  • be ringing off the hook
  • toll the death knell
  • raise the alarm
  • sound the alarm
  • bell
References in periodicals archive
Government intervention to force companies to employ women just to suit a political narrative should set alarm bells ringing to anyone.
Labour health spokeswoman Monica Lennon said: "These figures should set alarm bells ringing for the health secretary."
The violent death of Murtaza Bhutto in a similar police encounter in September 1996 should have set alarm bells ringing. The state should have brought reforms in the system, however, it did nothing.
The increasing number of casualties by the disease has set alarm bells ringing for health officials in the region.
Houghton and Sunderland South MP Bridget Phillipson said: "These latest warnings from Nissan will set alarm bells ringing across the North East."
Green Party councillor Pat Cleary said news of the court case should "set alarm bells ringing" among all local authorities still using the substance.
Yet May's inability to conclude a swift deal with 10 grasping Democratic Unionist MPs must set alarm bells ringing when it should be easier than Brexit talks with the 27 EU leaders.
JAMES HASKELL will set alarm bells ringing when he returns to his old Kiwi stomping ground with the Lions today.
The survey is likely to set alarm bells ringing in Downing Street ahead of David Cameron's promised referendum, which is due to take place before 2017.
STUART LANCASTER admitted England were comprehensively beaten in a 25-20 defeat to France that has set alarm bells ringing just one match before the World Cup begins.
Goals from Mikael Lustig, Leigh Griffiths and a second-half double from Stuart Armstrong put the Hoops in control before Caley substitutes Ryan Christie and Dani Lopez set alarm bells ringing.
But Shehzad's injury briefly set alarm bells ringing.
Mr Wishlade added: "He is 76 with substantial health problems." Judge Tony Briggs told Pope: "Bearing in mind the previous matters, the possession of equipment must set alarm bells ringing so far as you are concerned." Pope, of Webster Road, Middlesbrough, was given a nine-month jail sentence suspended for 12 months with 18 months' supervision after he pleaded guilty to eight breaches of the SOPO.
"Afghanistan has set alarm bells ringing for much better sides around the globe..." Massoud said proper preparations for the biggest cricketing extravaganza had been planned.
The report must set alarm bells ringing among the policymakers and the Saudi intelligentsia.