[Idiom] RING A BELL. - Discover Terms for Jogging Your Memory

Sound familiar or recall something.

The phrase "Ring a bell" is used when something sounds familiar or jogs your memory, but you can't quite place where you've heard it before. It's as if a bell is rung in your mind, signaling a recognition that remains just out of clear recollection.

Example Sentences

1. Does the name "John Smith" ring a bell?

   The name sounds familiar to the person, though they are unable to remember specific details.

2. That phrase rings a bell, but I can't place it.

   The mentioned phrase seems somewhat recognizable but the exact context is unclear.

3. When you mentioned that song, it definitely rang a bell.

   The mention of that song triggered a sense of familiarity or recognition in the listener.