english
1
general::
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.
American Heritage Idioms
2
general::
Phrase(s): 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs