have a familiar ring

have a familiar ring

To sound like something one has heard before. I must have read this before—the words in the opening paragraph have a familiar ring to them.
See also: familiar, have, ring
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

have a familiar ring (to it)

Fig. [for a story or an explanation] to sound familiar. Your excuse has a familiar ring. Have you done this before? This term paper has a familiar ring to it. I think it has been copied.
See also: familiar, have, ring
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

have a familiar ring

Sound or seem as though one has already heard of something. For example, That story has a familiar ring; I'm sure I've read it before.
See also: familiar, have, ring
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

have a familiar ˈring (about/to it)

sound familiar: His complaints have a familiar ring. Others have said exactly the same thing about our designs. The music in the movie had a familiar ring to it. I think it was Schumann.
See also: familiar, have, ring
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • (something) doesn't ring a bell (with one)
  • join issue with (someone or something)
  • rang
  • take issue with
  • take issue with (someone or something)
  • take issue with somebody
  • ring up
  • give (one) a ring
  • give a ring
  • give someone a ring