chime

chime in

1. To join in a discussion about something; to offer one's thoughts. When I heard them discussing my department, I just had to chime in with my own suggestions. A: "Please, don't all chime in at once." B: "I'm sorry, Dad, I just don't think anyone is as excited about this as you are." We were in the middle of an intense discussion about the merits of the Socratic method, when Jeremy chimed in with some inane quote from the movie Bill and Ted.

2. To join in and harmonize, as of a singer joining others. OK, so when do we chime in on this song? You guys just keep singing the melody, and I'll chime in on the harmony. And now the sopranos chime in!

3. To complement something well. Your idea really chimes in with our vision for the project. I'm sorry, but that paint color just doesn't chime in with the calming aesthetic I want for the yoga studio. I'm sorry, but that marketing campaign just doesn't chime in with our brand's tone.

See also: chime

chime in with (something)

1. To contribute a thought, opinion, aside, etc., to an ongoing discussion or debate. When I heard them discussing my department, I just had to chime in with my own suggestions. We were in the middle of an intense discussion about the merits of the Socratic method, when Jeremy chimed in with some inane quote from the movie Bill and Ted. A: "Please, don't all chime in with suggestions at once." B: "I'm sorry, Dad, I just don't think anyone is as excited about this as you are."

2. To complement or agree with something well or naturally. Your idea really chimes in with our vision for the project. I'm sorry, but that paint color just doesn't chime in with the calming aesthetic I want for the yoga studio. I'm sorry, but that marketing campaign just doesn't chime in with our brand's tone.

See also: chime

ring (one's) bells

1. To render one stunned, insensible, or unconscious, as from a physical blow or the effects of a drug. I could hear him bad-mouthing my girlfriend, so I went over and rang his bells with a single left hook to the eye. Be careful with this stuff—it will really ring your bells if you take too much at once.

2. To be keenly attractive, interesting, or exciting to one. A lot of my friends are obsessed with going out and playing basketball or soccer, but reading a good novel is what rings my bells. If I'm honest, he isn't the type of man who would normally ring my bells, but he was so affable and funny that I felt attracted to him nonetheless.

See also: bell, ring

ring (one's) chimes

1. To render one stunned, insensible, or unconscious, as from a physical blow or the effects of a drug. I could hear him bad-mouthing my girlfriend, so I went over and rang his chimes with a single left hook to the eye. Be careful with this stuff—it will really ring your chimes if you take too much at once.

2. To be keenly attractive, interesting, or exciting to one. A lot of my friends are obsessed with going out and playing basketball or soccer, but reading a good novel is what rings my chimes. If I'm honest, he isn't the type of man who would normally ring my chimes, but he was so affable and funny that I felt attracted to him nonetheless.

See also: chime, ring

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

chime in (with something)

Fig. to add a comment to the discussion. Little Billy chimed in with a suggestion. He chimed in too late; the meeting was breaking up.

See also: chime

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

chime in

1. Join in harmoniously or in unison, either literally (with music) or figuratively (joining a conversation to express agreement). For example, In this passage I want the altos to chime in with the tenors, or When Mary agreed, her sister chimed in that she'd join her. The literal usage was first recorded in 1681, the figurative in 1838.

2. chime in with. Be in agreement or compatible with, as in His views chime in with the paper's editorial stance. [Early 1700s]

See also: chime

ring one's chimes

Arouse one's attention, excite one, as in That kind of music really rings my chimes. [Slang; 1970]

See also: chime, ring

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

chime in

v.

1. To join in harmoniously with someone or something: The carolers began singing and everyone chimed in.

2. To interrupt someone or join a conversation suddenly, especially with an uninvited opinion: The kids were talking among themselves when the teacher chimed in.

See also: chime

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.