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Reader question: Please explain “hell’s bells”, as in: “Hell’s bells, not again!” My comments: Apparently someone does something wrong or stupid or at least very undesirable for a second (or third or the umpteenth) time, thus drawing this exasperated reply from the speaker, who speaks in either astonishment or disbelief or both – usually with lots of anger or annoyance. Definitely a lot of anger or annoyance, because, you see, people seldom invoke the concept of “hell” when they speak cordially, calmly and composedly. To say “Hell’s bell, not again” is no different from saying “Hell fire, not again!” because, after all, hell evokes images of eternal flames for all of its evil inmates. Anyways, hell’s bells refer to the bells on the door to hell. Supposedly when one goes to hell, he or she rings the door bell, by way of announcing “I’m coming.” Hearing this, all those who’re inside will say “Mighty nice to have you join us” or make some similarly welcoming remarks, followed, undoubtedly, by an odious chorus of laughter, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Well, use your own imagination. At any rate, that’s what hell’s bells means literally. As an expression, it is actually no different than “For God’s sake” or “Good Heavens” or “For the love of Mary” or any such similarly mild exclamations of surprise and/or annoyance. | 
