tell on

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

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.

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The 22-year-old, of the same street, has also been charged with one count of possessing an offensive weapon following the incident, the court was told on Thursday.

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Mr Collins - who was set to be the government's witness in the trial - added: "And so I was somewhat surprised when I was told on 3 September that the intention was to drop the case."

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My daughter loved—and believed—the mythical stories Bruce would tell on stage about how his saxophonist buddy Clarence Clemons, who he dubbed “The Big Man,” joined the band.

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For decades Norris publicly denied being part of the attack, claiming he was innocent during his trial, but the hearing was told on Tuesday that he had admitted his involvement since being in prison.

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Related Words

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