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  What it means

  Literally “alarm bell,” this term is used figuratively to describe a warning sign that something is going wrong. It signifies a moment of realization where danger, a health issue, or a systemic problem becomes apparent and requires immediate attention. It is the mental “ping” that tells you to stop and investigate before a situation worsens.

  Vocabulary

  • dzwonek — bell / ringtone
  • alarmowy — alarm (adjective)
  • ostrzeżenie — warning
  • sygnał — signal

  Grammar note

  The word 'dzwonek' is a diminutive of 'dzwon' (a large bell). In Polish, diminutives are often used for everyday objects like doorbells or small handbells, even in serious figurative contexts.

  Cultural context

  While "red flag" is increasingly understood in Poland due to social media, 'dzwonek alarmowy' remains the standard, more traditional way to describe a cautionary signal.

  Beginner

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