do tell

Idioms  

1. A phrase used to express surprise about something, as in Jane's getting married again? Do tell. This expression does not necessarily ask the speaker to provide more details but merely expresses one's astonishment. [Colloquial; first half of 1800] For a synonym, see you don't say.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

do tell

“Sometimes they do tell me, ‘Well, you’re the problem,’” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 12, 2026

Lastly, in the event that you do tell a colleague “maybe,” it is a good idea to give a definitive answer as soon as possible.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2025

"But if I do tell them, then they are like, 'oh okay', and it doesn't seem abnormal after that. In fact, my friends think it is quite cool."

From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2023

These rates can change with context, so they aren't always a good metric of risk, but they do tell us something about the severity of the disease.

From Salon ● Mar. 7, 2023

But if I do tell them, they’ll make something special for me, and I’ll feel bad.

From "The Omnivore's Dilemma" by Michael Pollan