student asking question

Is the expression "ring a bell" used a lot?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

When someone asks if something "rings a(ny) bell," they are using an idiomatic expression to ask whether you have a recollection of something, or if something sounds familiar. This expression is used very commonly in the English-speaking world. In this case, Charlie Brown is asking if his description of John "rings any bells (sounds familiar)." Ex: A: Does the name Michael Jackson ring any bells (sounds familiar)? B: The name does ring a bell but I'm not sure where I've heard it before.

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