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Synonyms

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

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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.

From The Wall Street Journal Oct. 24, 2025

"It's the play that tells the exact story that I want this national theatre company to be able to tell, on the second biggest stage in Europe," he added.

From BBC Sep. 16, 2025

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

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 27, 2025

Most people can’t help but tell on themselves.

From Salon Feb. 12, 2025

I tried to go tell on By, but all I could do was sit on the next-to-the-last step and hold my ear as tears jumped out of my eyes.

From "The Watsons Go to Birmingham" by Christopher Paul Curtis

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