Rings a bell的意思

"Rings a bell" is an English idiom that means something triggers a memory or a feeling of familiarity, as if you have heard or experienced something similar before. It suggests that something you hear or see makes you think that you have encountered it before, but you may not remember the exact details or context.

For example, if you visit a new place and feel like you've been there before, you might say, "This place rings a bell. I think I've been here once, but I'm not sure."

The idiom comes from the literal sound of a bell, which is used to signal the start or end of something, such as a school day, a meeting, or a religious service. Hearing a bell can also remind people of certain events or experiences, which is why the idiom is used to describe a sense of recognition or recollection.