ring a bell —(coll.) sound familiar; remind of smth.:
- The name of the company rang a bell. One of my neighbors worked for them during the war.
ring the bell —(coll.)
1. (also: ring bells) be met with approval; be a complete success:
- The President’s speeches ring the bell with certain segments of middle America.
2. supply exactly what is necessary or desired:
- A good hot bowl of soup would ring the bell about now.
Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase who will ring the bell—used to ask who will assume the responsibility in a difficult situation:
- I agree that allegations should be investigated. The question is, who will ring the bell?
See also: ring one’s bell / ring someone’s bell.