When a friend looked for a new car, she wanted bells and whistles like those on her old car. However, her husband thought such fancy features only added to what could go wrong. She loved a remote start on freezing days. He preferred simple parts with fewer potential repairs.

Bells and whistles refer to additional but unnecessary features.

Although not required, they add to appeal.

• Remote starts don’t make cars run better.
• Fancy packages don’t make devices more reliable.
• Extra settings rarely make washers clean better.

This expression may come from old cinema or fairground organs.

According to The Free Dictionary, some organs that played during silent films or at fairgrounds included bell and whistle sounds.

Bells and whistles often confuse.

We cannot figure out how to use all those fancy gadgets. Basic requirements do what we need. Extras may or may not make life easier. However, they usually increase costs.

Interesting does not always equal helpful. Bells and whistles do not guarantee slick as a whistle.

Trends come and go. Let’s cling to the reliable.

Bells and whistles can be fun or useful. However, we don’t want to overemphasize them. Rather, let’s consider:

• What will last?
• What will make a difference?
• What holds true worth?

“All the fancy things you loved so much are gone,” they cry. “The dainty luxuries and splendor that you prized so much will never be yours again. They are gone forever.” (Revelation 18:14 TLB)

Thanks to Lindy Pierce for the suggestion.

Do you have an expression you want explained or thoughts about this one? If so, please comment below.

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