Ring true/hollow/false
verb phrase
To seem or sound true, truthful or genuine.
Her apology did not ring true to me.
Often appears as...
- apology does not ring true
- story rings true
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To seem or sound hollow, not convincing or sincere.
His promises ring hollow as he has not kept them in the past.
Often appears as...
- promises ring hollow
- excuses ring hollow
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To seem or sound false, not valid or genuine.
The suspect's statement rings false under scrutiny.
Often appears as...
- statement rings false
- claim rings false
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To seem or sound true, truthful or genuine.
Her apology did not ring true to me.
Often appears as...
- apology does not ring true
- story rings true
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To seem or sound hollow, not convincing or sincere.
His promises ring hollow as he has not kept them in the past.
Often appears as...
- promises ring hollow
- excuses ring hollow
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To seem or sound false, not valid or genuine.
The suspect's statement rings false under scrutiny.
Often appears as...
- statement rings false
- claim rings false
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Emotional Insight
Listen for sincerity or authenticity behind words; 'ring true' carries emotional weight.
Even though he stuttered, his speech about helping others rang true.
Pro Tip 2/2Consistency Check
Use 'ring true' to express when something aligns with known facts or observations.
Her account of the event rings true with the evidence.
Pro Tip 1/2Emotional Insight
Listen for sincerity or authenticity behind words; 'ring true' carries emotional weight.
Even though he stuttered, his speech about helping others rang true.
Pro Tip 2/2Consistency Check
Use 'ring true' to express when something aligns with known facts or observations.
Her account of the event rings true with the evidence.
Pro Tip 1/2Emotional Insight
Listen for sincerity or authenticity behind words; 'ring true' carries emotional weight.
Even though he stuttered, his speech about helping others rang true.
Pro Tip 2/2Consistency Check
Use 'ring true' to express when something aligns with known facts or observations.
Her account of the event rings true with the evidence.
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