set off an alarm

Frequency: 8.528.0 per million words

To cause an alarm to start making a noise, often accidentally.

alarmVERB + ALARM

Categories:

set off

Examples (10)

  • Unfortunately, any little noise can set off the alarm.
  • The thief accidentally set off the security alarm while trying to open the safe.
  • Burning the toast this morning set off the smoke alarm and woke everyone up.
  • I think a passing truck has set off my car alarm again.
  • What could have set off the alarm in the middle of the night?
  • The silent alarm was set off the moment the intruder stepped inside.
  • Be careful not to touch that painting, or you'll set off an alarm.
  • He managed to get the documents without setting off the alarm.
  • If the smoke becomes too thick, it will automatically set off the fire alarm.
  • His main fear was to accidentally set off the alarm and alert the guards.