hell's bells

American  

interjection

Informal.

1. (used to indicate vexation or surprise.)

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Etymology

Origin of hell's bells

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The lights came up to the sound of AC/DC’s “Hell’s Bells” on the Talkhouse sound system.

From New York Times

For the premier closer, the entrance is a scene in itself, with music to fire up a crowd: “Enter Sandman” for Mariano Rivera; “Hell’s Bells” for Trevor Hoffman; “Welcome to the Jungle” for Eric Gagne.

From Los Angeles Times

“Hell’s bells — I have put the money in, and I am going for the max,” she said.

From New York Times

This solitude that’s being forced on me and my wife is — hell’s bells as it is — just standard operating procedure.

From Los Angeles Times

And, without wishing to get too far ahead, what if England could actually beat Croatia and then, hell’s bells, do the same against France or Belgium in the final?

From The Guardian