Tell on
verb
To report someone's wrongdoing.
If you don't stop bothering me, I will tell on you to the teacher.
Often appears as...
- tell on you
- tell on me
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To show or reveal something about someone or something.
The lines on her face tell on her age.
Often appears as...
- tell on age
- tell on health
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To have a noticeable negative effect on someone over time.
Years of heavy lifting has begun to tell on his back.
Often appears as...
- tell on health
- tell on strength
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To report someone's wrongdoing.
If you don't stop bothering me, I will tell on you to the teacher.
Often appears as...
- tell on you
- tell on me
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To show or reveal something about someone or something.
The lines on her face tell on her age.
Often appears as...
- tell on age
- tell on health
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To have a noticeable negative effect on someone over time.
Years of heavy lifting has begun to tell on his back.
Often appears as...
- tell on health
- tell on strength
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Snitching Connotation
Carries a negative connotation of betrayal, especially among children.
He worried they would tell on him for breaking the window.
Pro Tip 2/3Childish Usage
More common among children; adults may use it to sound playful or condescending.
I can't believe you're going to tell on me—I'm not a child!
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Context
Primarily used in informal situations and spoken language.
You're such a tattletale, always ready to tell on your friends.
Pro Tip 1/3Snitching Connotation
Carries a negative connotation of betrayal, especially among children.
He worried they would tell on him for breaking the window.
Pro Tip 2/3Childish Usage
More common among children; adults may use it to sound playful or condescending.
I can't believe you're going to tell on me—I'm not a child!
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Context
Primarily used in informal situations and spoken language.
You're such a tattletale, always ready to tell on your friends.
Pro Tip 1/3Snitching Connotation
Carries a negative connotation of betrayal, especially among children.
He worried they would tell on him for breaking the window.
Pro Tip 2/3Childish Usage
More common among children; adults may use it to sound playful or condescending.
I can't believe you're going to tell on me—I'm not a child!
Pro Tip 3/3Colloquial Context
Primarily used in informal situations and spoken language.
You're such a tattletale, always ready to tell on your friends.
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