Crossword Genius

Reminds one, in an alarming sort of way? (5,1,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rings a bell

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'reminds one' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'in an alarming sort of way?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'in' is found in the answer.
'an' could be 'a' and 'a' is found within the answer.
'way?' could be 's' (Compass direction - South) and 's' is found in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rings a bell that I've seen before include "Reminds one" , "What the town crier does" , "stirs up memories" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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