Search results for 'ring the changes':

ring² verb (rang, rung, ringing) 1 a to sound (a bell) eg by striking it or by pulling a rope attached to it, often as a summons or to signal or announce something; b intrans said of a bell: to sound in this way. 2 a to make (a metal object, etc) give a resonant bell-like sound by striking it; b intrans said of a metal object, etc: to sound in this way when struck. 3 intrans said of a large building, etc: to resound; to be filled with a particular sound • The theatre rang with laughter and applause. 4 intrans said of a sound or noise: to resound; to re-echo • Applause rang through the theatre. 5 intrans (usually ring out) to make a sudden clear loud sound • shots rang out. 6 intrans to sound repeatedly; to resound • Her criticisms rang in his ears. 7 intrans said of the ears: to be filled with a buzzing, humming or ringing sensation or sound. 8 (also ring someone up) chiefly Brit to call by telephone. 9 (usually ring for someone) to ring a bell as a summons. 10 intrans (especially ring true or false) said of words, etc: to give a specified impression, especially of being genuine or not • His promises ring false. noun 1 the act of ringing a bell. 2 the act or sound of ringing. 3 the clear resonant sound of a bell, or a similarly resonant sound. 4 Brit a telephone call. 5 a suggestion or impression of a particular feeling or quality • a story with a ring of truth about it. 6 a set of bells, each with a different note, especially in a church • St Nicholas has a ring of six. ringing noun, adj. ringingly adverb. ring a bell to bring to mind a vague memory of having been seen, heard, etc before • His name rings a bell. ring the curtain down or up 1 theat to give the signal for lowering, or raising, the curtain. 2 (usually ring the curtain down or up on something) colloq to put an end to, or to begin, a project or undertaking. ring the changes 1 to vary the way something is done, used, said, etc. 2 bell-ringing to go through all the various orders possible when ringing a peal of church bells. See also change-ringing.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon hringan.