ring a bell

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]

Example Sentences

These words also ring a bell, although I think the right’s depiction of Democrats as the party of elites — a party that includes most working-class people of color — paints with a pretty broad brush.

From Salon

Such requirements may ring a bell for Californians: Similar surveillance and limitations on immigrant education were core to Proposition 187, the 1994 ballot measure pushed by Republicans that is often credited with the demise of the GOP in the state.

From Los Angeles Times

The California Legislative Women’s Caucus was formed in 1985 and its founding members include Democratic Rep. Maxine Waters, a trailblazing and powerful member of Congress, and Rose Ann Vuich, the first woman elected to the state Senate who was known to ring a bell each time her colleagues in the Capitol addressed members as “gentlemen.”

From Los Angeles Times

It suited the noisy, high-energy, atmosphere in an office where loud music plays and staff are encouraged to ring a bell to cheers when a sale is completed.

From BBC

“Lee asked me if there was anything I wanted to do to celebrate. I said I simply wanted to ring a bell, with the kids, in our backyard, with everyone throwing confetti,” Fischer said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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