Welcome to Idiom 100, where we learn 100 commonly used idioms by native English speakers.

All of the explanations are in English, so it might be challenging for you,

but just try to imagine the meanings in your head and study hard and soon you'll be able to use these idioms in your conversations.

Is everyone ready? Let's begin.

Hello everyone!

Today's idiom is: ring a bell.

Ring a bell.

So maybe everyone can understand the meaning of ring a bell, but maybe the idiom's meaning is a little different.

So, let's imagine someone is just standing here, not really thinking about anything and all of a sudden someone rings a bell.

And this person, suddenly they remember something they were supposed to do.

Oh, I have to go to the bank. I forgot.

Okay, so the bell helped them remember something.

Okay, so let's listen to 2 examples and try to think more about the meaning.

Number 1:

What were you supposed to do right after you got home? … does the word homework ring a bell?

Oh ya.. I’ll do it right after I finish watching TV.

Okay, so in this case, the student forgot to do the homework and the mother is trying to remind him.

Yeah, does the word homework ring a bell? Do you remember?

Okay, example number 2:

Do you remember me? My name’s Mary Smith.

I’m sorry, that name doesn’t ring a bell.

So, she said her name, but he still doesn't remember her. The name did not ring a bell, okay?

So, 'ringing a bell' is said after you give a hint to remind someone of something, okay?

And it can also mean to sound familiar.

Yeah, so that person's name, Mary Smith, didn't sound familiar and he doesn't remember her.

Okay, you can use this phrase in a casual situation with a friend or a family member.

Maybe you're supposed to meet your friend for coffee and they're not there.

So, you call them on the phone, 'Did you forget to do something today? Does the word Starbucks ring a bell?'

And maybe they'll say, 'Oh no! I forgot.' Okay?

So, let's try using 'ring a bell' in your next conversation.

I'll see you next time! Good-bye!