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Ring One's Bell

What Does "Ring One's Bell" Mean?

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"Ring one's bell" is an English idiom. It means "to strike or hit someone or something forcefully, often causing a loud sound or alarm; also used figuratively to mean to surprise or impress someone."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "ring one's bell" used in a sentence:
  • He accidentally rang the neighbour's bell while playing ball in the yard.
  • Her remarkable performance in the competition rang everyone's bell and earned her a standing ovation.
  • The unexpected news about the promotion rang his bell and put a smile on his face.
meaning for ring one's bell

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Ring One's Bell" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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