tell tales

Idioms and Phrases

Divulge secrets, as in Don't trust him; he's apt to tell tales . This expression was first recorded about 1350. A variant, tell tales out of school , first recorded in 1530, presumably alluded to schoolchildren gossiping but was soon broadened to revealing secret or private information. Both may be obsolescent.

Example Sentences

"Sha'n't tell tales out of school," he replied, with another weak attempt at his old facetiousness.

From Project Gutenberg

And ever since then, Bevis dear, they have done nothing but tell tales against me.

From Project Gutenberg

At first I showed some hesitation in answering; but at last I said, "I weep because we dare not tell tales out of school."

From Project Gutenberg

Sails rent and cordage strained tell tales of many storm-gusts, or, perchance, of one tornado; and see!

From Project Gutenberg

"You know I ain't goin' to tell tales, grandpa," he said, in a curiously manly fashion.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• blab