Idiom: Bells and Whistles
Example 1:
Gerry: Congratulations, Kiki! I heard you passed the driver’s test!
Kiki: Yes, I’m so happy. It took me three tries, but I finally have a driver’s license.
Gerry: So have you thought about buying a car?
Kiki: Of course! My dad said he would help me, so we have been looking for cars together. It’s been a little difficult because he has a completely different idea about what kind of car I should buy.
Gerry: What do you mean?
Kiki: Well, I want a cute car with all the bells and whistles! Then I can drive around the town in style. But my dad wants me to start with something boring and basic.
Gerry: Actually, it’s probably better to just get a basic car at first without the bells and whistles. It’s cheaper and more practical.
Kiki: But it’s my first car!
Example 2:
Jackie: What’s the matter? You look upset!
Tommy: My computer crashed and I don’t think I’ll be able to repair it. I really can’t afford to buy a new computer right now!
Jackie: Don’t worry. Computers are not that expensive, especially if you buy a computer without all the bells and whistles. The more extras you add, the more expensive it will be.
Tommy: I guess you are right, but I really do a lot of things on the computer in addition to my work. I especially like gaming and you need a strong computer for that, one that has all the bells and whistles.
Jackie: Well, maybe you will just have to make a sacrifice for now. Get a basic computer and add the extras later when you can afford it.
Meaning: Extra; the things that a device or machine has or does that are not necessary, but that make it more exciting.
