unring

verb — 2 senses

unring

verb

Etymology From un- + ring.

1

Hypothetically, to reverse the act of ringing, or the consequences of the action.

  • In a criminal trial, if the prosecution brings in inadmissible evidence that would unfairly prejudice the accused, a mistrial may be warranted. Having the judge admonish the jury to disregard the evidence might not be enough, as the saying goes, 'You can't unring the bell.'
Derived terms
unring a bell, you can't unring a bell

unring

verb

Etymology From un- + ring.

1

Poetic To remove a ring from.

  • Her lofty song commands in thrilling strains That new-raised woman snap her rusty chains, Unring her finger and unbind her breast.1979, John Jefferson Bray, “The Story of Iphis”, in Poems 1972-1979:

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.