Bow bells

American  

[boh] / boʊ /

plural noun

1. the bells of Bow church, in the East End district of London: traditionally, a true Cockney is born and raised within the sound of Bow bells.

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Etymology

Origin of Bow bells

First recorded in 1590–1600

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Bow bells

Miranda’s schedule being what it is, we don’t have time to debate the location of Bow bells, so I ask if it was weird singing songs he didn’t write.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 1, 2018

Traditionally, a Cockney is anyone "born within the sound of Bow bells" - the bells of St.Mary-le-Bow church in the heart of medieval London.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 20, 2012

Yet I welcome the digital download of Bow bells if it can encourage the virtues of self-reliance and magnanimity that are characteristic of these unjustly misrepresented people.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 26, 2012

Silent, too, were the famous Bow bells of Cheapside, within whose sound all Cockneys were once born.

From Time Magazine Archive

But to many a loyal heart far beyond the sound of Bow bells the date brought a thrill of glad consciousness which was quite independent of the weather.

From Life of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen — Volume 1 by Tytler, Sarah