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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

ring someone's bell en · VERB

Pronunciation

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic) To physically traumatize someone with a strong blow, especially a concussive blow to the head.
    • Braves outfielder Eddie Miller was struck in the head with an object thrown from the left field seats. . . . Braves manager Bobby Cox said Miller was more dazed than hurt. "It stung him pretty good, it rang his bell," Cox said. 1981 May 5, “Heads Up in the Outfield”, in St. Petersburg Evening Independent, retrieved 19 Jan 2010, page 4C:
    • Redman took Kenny Lofton's left shoulder on his jaw and saw every color of the rainbow but teal. "That sent me down. I was kinda dizzy," Redman said . . . "You take a shot like that, it's going to ring your bell a bit." 2003 October 11, Tom Singer, “Redman delivers quality start”, in MLB.com, retrieved 19 Jan 2010:
  2. (idiomatic) To please; to satisfy greatly.
    • What's in a book on trigonometry that'll ring your bell or strike your fancy or just make you pretty happy? 2014, Mary Jane Sterling, Trigonometry For Dummies, page 3:
    • My normal lack of confidence with women is quickly forgotten when I meet one who rings my bell. 2012, Melvin Ricks, To Die Before You Die::
    • Edna's frequent exact words were, “He rings my bell,” along with other similar crude statements. 2013 -, Savannah Rain, Shattered Family:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
rings someone's bell Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres lexicographic
ringing someone's bell Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part lexicographic
rang someone's bell Tense=Past lexicographic
rung someone's bell Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part lexicographic

Relateds

ring one's bell

Synonyms

stun · stagger · knock out · tickle someone's fancy (please)