ring a bell

Idioms and Phrases

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

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

The name Peter Molyneux ring a bell?

From BBC

Winner of the notorious houses stakes for the last 30 years — does “Rockingham” ring a bell?

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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