Pronunciation: /tɛl ɒn/
verb to inform on someone or reveal their wrongdoing
A1 I will tell on my brother if he doesn't share his toys with me.
A2 She told on her classmate for cheating on the test.
B1 The witness decided to tell on the criminal to the police.
B2 I don't want to tell on my friend, but I have to be honest with the teacher.
C1 The whistleblower decided to tell on the company for their unethical practices.
C2 He was torn between loyalty to his friend and the need to tell on him for his illegal activities.
preposition used to indicate that someone has informed on someone else or revealed their wrongdoing
A1 I will tell on you if you don't share your toys.
A2 She promised not to tell on me for breaking the vase.
B1 The students decided not to tell on their classmate for cheating.
B2 I didn't want to tell on my coworker for being late, but I had to.
C1 It's important to have a workplace culture where employees feel comfortable speaking up and telling on unethical behavior.
C2 The whistleblower bravely told on the company for their illegal activities, leading to a full investigation.
formal I cannot tell on my coworker for making a mistake without concrete evidence.
informal Don't worry, I won't tell on you for sneaking out of the party early.
slang If you tell on me to the teacher, I'll never forgive you!
figurative Sometimes our conscience tells on us when we try to hide our mistakes.
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