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

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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

"I'm afraid our 'Enery will 'ave to 'it 'im over the bonce with Bow bells to beat 'im," admitted one Londoner.

From Time Magazine Archive

By the old sound and proverbial test a Cockney was a man born within the sound of Bow bells.

From Appreciations and Criticisms of the Works of Charles Dickens by G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton

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