tell on
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To inform on, to rat out; to tell a person in authority that someone else has done something wrong.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
My sister told on me when I didn't go to school.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To cause visible strain to.
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “tell on” mean?
To inform on, to rat out; to tell a person in authority that someone else has done something wrong.
Is “tell on” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.