ring a bell vs press a bell

The correct phrase is 'ring a bell.' It is a common idiom used to indicate that something sounds familiar or reminds someone of something. 'Press a bell' is not a standard phrase in English.

Last updated: April 01, 2024 • 513 views

ring a bell

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This idiom is used to convey that something is familiar or reminds someone of something. It is often used in questions like 'Does that ring a bell?'

Examples:

The name sounds familiar, but it doesn't ring a bell.
The story he told me didn't ring a bell with me.
The song playing on the radio rings a bell from my childhood.
The place she mentioned rings a bell, but I can't remember exactly.
The smell of fresh bread always rings a bell of my grandmother's kitchen.

Show examples from the web [+]

I mean, the guy actually has to ring a bell.
Hurting Shaun doesn't ring a bell.
Center Street Grill ring a bell?
Kylie Sinclair - name ring a bell?
Name Nathan woods ring a bell?
It is necessary to ring a bell to be let into the building.
Does that ring a bell for you?
Doesn't the word potato ring a bell, Comrade Pelikán?
Our hostel is on a 3 floor, ring a bell marked as ap 8.
The name James Beckett ring a bell?
Name doesn't ring a bell.
No, doesn't really ring a bell.
Well, maybe her name will ring a bell...
At least not enough to ring a bell in her tiny brain.
Mouse... that name does ring a bell actually.
Just jump in when this starts to ring a bell.
Minneapolis doesn't ring a bell.
Certain prophetic details do ring a bell.
Maybe you can tell me if these names ring a bell.
But her name might ring a bell.

Alternatives:

sound familiar
remind me of something
bring back memories
strike a chord
evoke a memory

press a bell

This phrase is not a standard expression in English.

Show examples from the web [+]

Because in a few moments, the party in question will press a bell at number 12.
You ask police just now is why not press bell
Our home is on your left, #22. Press the upper bell button (Caruso - Du Bois) near the big wooden door.
Enter the hotel via the side entrance, press the bell marked 'Hotel' to open the door, and key in your code to get your key card.
If you'll only press the electric bell, Father, you'll be admitted at once.
NOW, I'M GOING TO PRESS THE BELL JUST TO SEE IF THERE'S ANYONE IN.
If you've read the rock press during the last twenty years, chances are the name of Barney Hoskyns will ring a bell.
Cherryhomes' involvement with this project rang a bell.
The church had a bell gable.
Above, a bell masonry structure.
Name doesn't ring a bell.
Boyle was the first to show that, on emptying a bell-jar with a bell inside, one could no longer hear the sound.
Now that rings a bell - with red hair.
Yes! Like a chime or a bell.
Maybe you could wear a bell or something.
Initial tests, heart sound as a bell, blood fine.
No, doesn't really ring a bell.
I couldn't find a bell.
In the falling twilight... a bell tolls afar.
Sixteen years behind a bell and proud of it.

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