tell on

Idioms and Phrases

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

But Ms O'Loughlin said she was told on Thursday they were missing after friends checked on them and found their pets at home while she had also not been able to reach them.

From BBC

I was told on Friday the club still want the Dutchman to succeed but he clearly needs to win matches.

From BBC

"There's a lot of deprivation in Wales, there's lots of stories that aren't being told on gallery walls," she said.

From BBC

Senior coroner Tanyka Rawden was told on Wednesday that he was denied a referral to specialist services after complaining of episodes thought to have been brought on by epileptic seizures.

From BBC

Producer Simon Friend said the novel "immediately cried out to be told on stage" when he read it last year.

From BBC

Related Words

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