ring the bell
Also found in: Acronyms.
ring the bell
1. To be exactly what one wants, needs, or is looking for. I was browsing the lot for a new car, when I saw a used Camaro that really rang the bell. We've been wandering around town looking for somewhere to eat, but nothing has rang the bell so far.
2. To prove especially memorable, noteworthy, or effective. The comic's whole routine got some pretty good laughs, but the bit that rang the bell was when he talked about his experiences at Disney Land. After a long career of writing rather disposable romance novels, she said she wanted to craft a more literary story that would really ring the bell for more serious readers.
3. To cause someone to take notice or action; to be alarming or worrying to someone. The part of the contract that really rang the bell was a clause near the end that specified that we would forfeit all creative control of the product in perpetuity. The language the politician is using in his rallies has been ringing the bell for many civil rights activists.
4. To notify or indicate that something is the case. The analyst said that the market trend was ringing the bell that the economy was about to experience another decline. The language the politician is using in his rallies has been ringing the bell for many civil rights activists.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
ring the bell
Inf. to be just what is needed; to hit the spot. This cold water really rings the bell. A good hot bowl of soup would ring the bell about now.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
ring the bell
tv. to be just what is needed; to hit the spot. A good hot bowl of soup would ring the bell about now.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.