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

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

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“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.”

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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.

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Mr. Cash’s name may ring a bell.

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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.

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Related Words

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