bells and whistles

American  

Sometimes whistles and bells

plural noun

Informal.

1. features added to a product; special parts or functions; extras.

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bells and whistles British  

plural noun

1. additional features or accessories which are nonessential but very attractive

   my car has all the latest bells and whistles

2. additions, such as options or warranties, made to a financial product to increase its market appeal

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Etymology

Origin of bells and whistles

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Bells and whistles aside, this is underrated in the Björk canon, and is packed with gems, from the dubstep-ish banger Crystalline, to the majesty of Virus, all wrapped around mind-bending, otherworldly time signatures.

From The Guardian • Apr. 7, 2020

Bells and whistles aren't needed to rouse the audience.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2017

An ethos of simplicity proved a smart one when constructing a product line for extreme sportsmen: Bells and whistles just add unnecessary weight to your pack.

From Slate • Mar. 15, 2012