idioms using “ring”

Ring a bell

Sound familiar

“The new saleswoman looks familiar, but her name doesn’t ring a bell.”

Ring off the hook

The telephone rings incessantly

“The phone has been ringing off the hook ever since Sasamoto-san announced her candidacy for mayor.”

Ring true

A story or explanation that seems to be true

“Her story about why she missed the meeting yesterday rings true.”

Three-ring circus

Noisy or confused activity

“No one can concentrate with all of this noise; this office is a three-ring circus.”

Ring hollow

A story or explanation that seems untrue

“His apology for not meeting the sales target rings hollow.”