give someone a ring
To place a telephone call to someone.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Give me a ring when you get home.”
“If you have any questions about the meeting, just give me a ring later this afternoon.”
“Should you require further clarification regarding the contract terms, please do not hesitate to give me a ring at your earliest convenience.”
The phrase entered the lexicon as a literal description of the physical bells used in early telecommunications. It draws upon the distinct, mechanical sound produced by older telephones when receiving a call that had not yet been answered.
- 01
as if someone owns the place
Alternative form of like someone owns the place.
- 02
beat someone round the ears
To beat (a person) with blows about the head.
- 03
bless someone with
To give or bestow, as a gift from God.
- 04
bring someone to their knees
To defeat and make submit to orders.
- 05
call someone every name in the book
To call someone many abusive names.
- 06
call someone everything but a child of God
To call someone many abusive names.
- 07
catch someone napping
To take advantage of someone's inattention.
- 08
cry someone a river
To weep profusely or excessively in the presence of another person.
Last updated August 10, 2026