The shark-warning notes of “Jaws,” for example

LEITMOTIF

Think of a recurring musical phrase tied to a specific character or idea—like the ominous two-note theme that signals danger before the shark appears.

This clue refers to the iconic two-note musical theme that signals the shark’s approach in the movie Jaws—a short, repeating phrase that instantly creates tension. In film and music, that kind of recurring musical signature tied to a character or idea is called a leitmotif, a term borrowed from opera (think Wagner). The clue plays on the fact that the Jaws theme is one of the most famous examples, using "shark-warning notes" as a playful hint. So the answer isn’t just about the sound itself but the technical name for that kind of musical device.