To seem familiar
You can use this phrase in ………… language.
Spoken
Informal
Example 1
“What did you say was his name?”
“Peter Douglas. Does it ring a bell?”
“I’ve heard it before for sure, but I can’t remember where.”
Example 2
I wasn’t sure if I could be of any help, but when the police officer showed me the picture of a man, his face rang a bell.