Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

something rings a bell

idiom

/ˈsʌmθɪŋ rɪŋz ə bɛl/

Definition

To sound familiar or evoke a memory.

Examples

When she mentioned her childhood school, it really something rings a bell for me.
The name of that movie something rings a bell, but I can’t recall the plot.
Something about the way he spoke something rings a bell, but I just can’t place it.

Meaning

This phrase is commonly used when someone hears something that reminds them of a past experience or information but they cannot remember the details clearly.