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

The Scottish Parliament said it was told on 8 August that police were investigating images potentially taken at Holyrood, but that officers did not say who their inquiry related to.

From BBC

More than 20 employees were told on Tuesday that they had been put on administrative leave, according to sources who spoke to the BBC's US partner, CBS News.

From BBC

“Obviously, time is going to tell on this,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

"I'm on cloud nine at the minute. What a game," Rock told on Sky Sports.

From BBC

The stories he told on the account ranged from the frightening to the hopeful.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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