ring someone's bell

present singular third person rings someone's bell · participle present ringing someone's bell · past rang someone's bell · participle past rung someone's bell

1. idiomaticTo physically traumatize someone with a strong blow, especially a concussive blow to the head.

   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

   1 more example

   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

2. idiomaticTo please; to satisfy greatly.

   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

   2 more examples

   Edna's frequent exact words were, “He rings my bell,” along with other similar crude statements.

   2013 -, Savannah Rain, Shattered Family

   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

   Synonyms: tickle someone's fancy