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Definition 2024


tell_on

tell on

English

Verb

tell on (third-person singular simple present tells on, present participle telling on, simple past and past participle told on)

  1. To inform on; to tattle; to tell someone with authority that someone else has done something wrong; usually somewhat childish.
    My sister told on me when I didn't go to school.
    • Bible, 1 Sam. xxvii. 11
      Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David.
  2. To cause visible strain to somebody or something.
    Years of drinking started to tell on his body.

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