ring true

ring true

Fig. to sound or seem true or likely. (From testing the quality of metal or glass by striking it and evaluating the sound made.) The student's excuse for being late doesn't ring true. Do you think that Mary's explanation for her absence rang true?

See also: ring, true

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ring true

if something someone has said or written rings true, it seems to be true (often negative) Something about the story didn't quite ring true.

See ring hollow

See also: ring, true

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ring true

to seem to be accurate or sincere The book rang true because the author had actually experienced the ordeal of being marooned on an island. Cooper's reassuring words didn't ring true with everyone.

Usage notes: often used with not, as in the example, and often used in the forms the ring of truth or a ring of truth: Speaking as a parent of boys, I can tell you her comments have the ring of truth.

Opposite of: ring hollow

See also: ring, true