I'll admit to saying this irritant more than most others I write about. When someone gives a lukewarm review of a book, TV show, or musical artist, such as "It's OK, I guess," I sometimes say or think sarcastically, "That's a ringing endorsement!"
Why is a rave review considered a ringing endorsement? Are church bells expected to chime when someone recommends something enthusiastically? That has never happened with me. Then again, I'm not usually that enthusiastic.
