ring a bell

ring a bell

Fig. [for something] to cause someone to remember something or for it to seem familiar. I've never met John Franklin, but his name rings a bell. Whenever I see a bee, it rings a bell. I remember when I was stung by one.

See also: bell, ring

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ring a bell  also ring any bells

if a phrase or a word, especially a name, rings a bell, you think you have heard it before Does the name 'Fitzpatrick' ring a bell? (often + with ) No, I'm sorry, that description doesn't ring any bells with me.

See also: bell, ring

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ring a bell

to seem familiar “We live in Walnut Creek.” “I don't know why that rings a bell.”

Related vocabulary: have a familiar ring (to it)

See also: bell, ring