# give someone a ring

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/give-someone-a-ring
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To place a telephone call to someone.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.