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ring the bell to somebody
i try to find the meaning and the origin of the idiom "ring the bell to somebody" ,could you help me
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Re: ring the bell to somebody

Originally Posted by
amy1986
i try to find the meaning and the origin of the idiom "ring the bell to somebody" ,could you help me
(Not a teacher)
Do you mean "ring a bell"(it means "sound familiar" today)? If yes, click here .
Differences between "ring a bell", "ring the bell" and "saved by the bell".
Some more and the origin of "Dead ringers" / "Dead ringer" for your reference.
There are 3 different versions to the origin of the US idiom "ring a bell":
(1) In old days, the bell was used by customers at restaurants or shops to beckon the waitress or shopper to order food/ask for the bill,etc.;
(2) A shooting game at an amusement park/game centre. When you hit the target with a shooting gun, the bell will ring and you win a prize;
(3) Finally, the ringing sound of the bell at school or church, just reminding you the teachings of teachers and priests in those days.
But nowadays, the meaning mostly used is "sound familiar to someone".
Last edited by albertino; 18-Mar-2009 at 06:04.
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Re: ring the bell to somebody
...And the usual preposition would be "for":
'Does this ring a bell for anyone?'
Or you could avoid the need for a preposition by saying
'Does this ring any bells?'
b
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