tell on
phrasal verb
told on; telling on; tells on
1
informal
: to tell someone in authority about the bad behavior or actions of (someone else)
Please don't tell on me.
2
: to have a noticeable effect on (someone or something)
The stress began to tell on her face/health.
Examples of tell on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In this latest rendition of a story that’s been told on the big screen numerous times, Superman grapples with his powers while trying to balance everyday life as journalist Clark Kent after being sent to Earth from his home planet Krypton.
—
Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
During the May 20 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the host was reminded of one of the more uncomfortable stories he’s told on his show.
—Staff Author, People.com, 22 May 2025
In April, Tanji told me she had been arrested again, in March, but was not told on what charges.
—Lynzy Billing, The Dial, 6 May 2025
Like the Irish, Italians, Germans and others who had their stories told on Broadway back in the day.
—Marjorie García, Billboard, 26 June 2025
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Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
During the May 20 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the host was reminded of one of the more uncomfortable stories he’s told on his show.
—Staff Author, People.com, 22 May 2025
In April, Tanji told me she had been arrested again, in March, but was not told on what charges.
—Lynzy Billing, The Dial, 6 May 2025
Like the Irish, Italians, Germans and others who had their stories told on Broadway back in the day.
—Marjorie García, Billboard, 26 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell on
Cite this Entry
“Tell on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tell%20on. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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