ring a bell

Idioms  

1. Arouse an indistinct memory, remind one of something, as in That name rings a bell—I think I've met him. The bell here summons up a memory. [1930s]

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Example Sentences

Does this picture ring a bell with you?

From Los Angeles Times

We watch her ring a bell that pokes out from the wall at the bottom-left corner of the painting.

From Literature

“Muffinshire Lane? Doesn’t ring a bell, I’m afraid. But don’t fret, Miss Lumley. I’ve a knack for navigation. It’s in the blood; the men in my family have been sailors going back generations. Say, do you happen to have a map handy? I bet I can help you sort everything out, if you’ll let me have a look.”

From Literature

There are less well remembered presidents, for sure — does the name John Tyler ring a bell? — and assassins better known than Guiteau, but if you’re going to make a docudrama, it does help to choose a story that might be more surprising to viewers and comes with a murder built in.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr. Cash’s name may ring a bell.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• admit
• know
• make
• note
• notice
• observe
• perceive
• remember
• see