to tell on

1 definition found

to tell on - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Tell \Tell\, v. i.
     1. To give an account; to make report.
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              That I may publish with the voice of thankgiving,
              and tell of all thy wondrous works.   --Ps. xxvi. 7.
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     2. To take effect; to produce a marked effect; as, every shot
        tells; every expression tells.
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     To tell of.
        (a) To speak of; to mention; to narrate or describe.
        (b) To inform against; to disclose some fault of.
  
     To tell on, to inform against. [Archaic & Colloq.]
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              Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David.
                                                    --1 Sam.
                                                    xxvii. 11.
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