Rat on

usgb
verb

To tell someone in authority about something wrong or illegal that someone else has done, usually in order to get them in trouble.

He threatened to rat on me if I didn't give him half of my lunch every day.
Visual representation of "rat on" - To tell someone in authority about something wrong or illegal that someone else has done, usually in order to get them in trouble.

Often appears as...

  • rat on someone
  • rat on him

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "rat on"
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Negative Connotation

Using 'rat on' suggests disapproval of the informant, as it's often seen as a betrayal.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
Even with the evidence piling up, she refused to rat on her friend.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Slang Usage

It's casual slang, not suitable in formal contexts like business meetings or academic writing.

Illustration for Slang Usage
I couldn't believe he would actually rat on me to the teacher.
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Criminal Context

Often used in the context of crime, where someone reports illegal activities to the authorities.

Illustration for Criminal Context
After being caught, the thief decided to rat on his accomplices.
Visual representation of the word "Rat on"

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