PhrasesHub

[That] Rings a bell

    Definitions

      • to sound familiar
        to indicate that something sounds familiar or is reminiscent of something else, often used when trying to remember something

      • to spark a memory
        to suggest that something has triggered a recollection or memory of something else

    Examples of [That] Rings a bell

    • As soon as I heard the name "Steve Jobs," a light bulb went off in my head, and I suddenly remembered where I had heard that name before. "That name rings a bell," I thought.

      The expression "That rings a bell" is used when something is vaguely familiar, but you can't quite remember where or when you heard or saw it. It can also be used when you're trying to recall a name or a face, but you're not quite sure. The phrase stems from the sound a bell makes when it's being rung lightly, which is a soft, gentle sound that might be barely recognizable at first, but becomes more distinct as it continues. Used in this context, "rings a bell" implies that there is a faint memory or association attached to the person, place, or thing being referred to, but it's not a strong or detailed one.

    • I remember seeing that movie before, it really rings a bell.

      The phrase "it rings a bell" means that the person remembers something vaguely but can't quite recall all the details. In this example, the person is saying that they have seen the movie before but can't remember all the details, only that it's familiar and brings back some memories.

    • Have you ever heard that saying "time heals all wounds"? It really rings a bell.

      In this example, the phrase is used in a different context. Here, it's being used to say that the phrase is familiar to the speaker, even if they don't use it often or have a strong connection to it.

    • I think I've heard that name before, it really rings a bell.

      This example is similar to the first, but with a different noun. Here, the speaker is saying that they remember the name, but can't quite place where they've heard it before.

    • The sailor told a story that ended with the phrase "set a course for the horizon". That really rings a bell.

      The context of this example makes it a little different from the others. Here, the phrase is used at the end of a story, and the speaker is saying that they've heard or read that phrase before, possibly in another story. The phrase has become familiar to the speaker and brings back memories of other times they've heard it.

    • Alice hesitated for a moment before replying, "I'm afraid I can't place you. Does the name David Knowles ring a bell?"

      This example shows how the idiom is used in a question to ask whether someone else remembers the name of a person being asked about. The meaning behind this idiom is that the name being asked about seems familiar or reminds the person being asked of someone or something they already know.

    • As soon as the detective said the word "poison", Sarah's heart skipped a beat. She gasped, "Wait a minute, doesn't that word ring a bell? I remember something about poison in the news a few weeks ago."

      Here, the idiom is used in a different context to indicate that the person has a sudden recollection or remembrance of something. The phrase "rings a bell" implies that the person is uncertain at first, but then the memory becomes clearer as the seconds pass.

    • Brian was browsing through a flea market stall when he spotted an antique pocket watch. He held it in his hand for a moment, turning it over, and then exclaimed, "This watch rings a bell! I've seen it somewhere before."

      This example is similar to the first, but instead of a person's name, the idiom is used to indicate that the object being handled is familiar or recognizable to the person. In this sense, the phrase "rings a bell" is used to describe a sudden realization or recognition.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "rings a bell" is used to express that something sounds familiar or has triggered a memory. It can be used when trying to remember something or when something brings to mind a past experience or knowledge.

    Origin of "[That] Rings a bell"

    The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated from the idea of a familiar sound or memory being like the ringing of a bell in one's mind. The use of "ring" to indicate familiarity or recognition can be traced back to the 19th century, and the idiom "rings a bell" likely evolved from this usage. Its meaning has since expanded to include sparking a memory or recollection. Overall, the idiom conveys the idea of something being familiar or reminiscent of something else. Examples of its usage can be found in literature and everyday conversations, indicating its widespread use and understanding.