Definition & Meaning of "[ring] true"

What is the origin of the idiom "ring true" and when to use it?

The idiom "ring true" originated from bell making, referring to the sound a well-made bell produces when struck. A high quality bell would "ring true" with a pure, resonant tone. This originated in the 14th century when bells emerged as important communicative tools. Gradually the term took on a metaphorical meaning to describe something that sounds believable, aligns with known facts, or is genuinely truthful.