ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ring true

idiom
Meaning

To seem to be correct, or plausible


Origin

disputed origin

From the sound of a coin when tested for authenticity.

Examples
SIMPLE

His excuse does not ring true to me.

CONTEXTUAL

I listened to his explanation of the accident, but something about the story did not ring true.

COMPLEX

Although the politician spoke with great confidence, his promises failed to ring true to the skeptical audience gathered in the hall.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    for real and for true

    Genuinely; truly.

  2. 02

    give someone a ring

    To place a telephone call to someone.

  3. 03

    hold the ring

    To oversee a situation while attempting to remain uninvolved in it.

  4. 04

    kiss someone's ring

    To give respect or reverence to someone; to express servitude to someone.

  5. 05

    make the welkin ring

    To celebrate or revel.

  6. 06

    ring a bell

    To seem at least vaguely familiar.

  7. 07

    ring down the curtain

    To end something.

  8. 08

    ring false

    To seem to be incorrect, or implausible.

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