tell on

Idioms  

1. Tattle on, inform on, as in Marjorie said she'd tell on him if he pulled her hair again. This seemingly modern term appeared in a 1539 translation of the Bible (I Samuel 27:11): “David saved neither man nor woman ... for fear (said he) lest they should tell on us.”

---

Example Sentences

Mahad says there were brief periods when he was transferred to Arizona, from where deportation fights leave, but he was told on each occasion that logistical arrangements were not ready.

From BBC

Gemma and his father Kevin, 35, were told on Wednesday nothing more can be done for him.

From BBC

A statement from Blue Islands said it had been told on Friday that Jersey's government would be unable to provide further support.

From BBC

As PMQs was ending the Met Police released a statement revealing a foreign prisoner - later named as Kaddour-Cherif - had been released by mistake last week, with the force told on Tuesday.

From BBC

Mr James, of Ida Road, and a 16-year-old boy were doing hazardous work in darkness without hard hats or adequate training, the court was told on Friday.

From BBC

Related Words

• advise
• apprise
• brief
• caution
• educate
• instruct
• notify
• tell
• update
• warn