tell against: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "tell against" is an expression commonly used in the English language. It can be found in various literary works and documents, although the exact origin of the idiom is unclear. The meaning of "tell against" is to work or act unfavorably or to the disadvantage of someone or something.

One possible interpretation of this idiom is that "tell" is used in the sense of "count" or "matter." This suggests that something is significant enough to be taken into account or considered when making a judgment or decision. The word "against" indicates that this significance is negative or unfavorable in nature. Therefore, when something "tells against" someone or something, it has a negative impact or effect on them.

The idiom "tell against" can describe various situations where something works to the disadvantage of someone or something. For example, if a person is being considered for a job promotion but has a history of poor time management, this could "tell against" their chances of being promoted. Similarly, if a company has a reputation for producing low-quality products, it could "tell against" their sales and profitability.

Furthermore, the idiom "tell against" can also refer to situations where evidence or facts work against someone's argument or position. In a court case, if a witness testifies against the accused, their testimony can "tell against" the defendant and weaken their defense.

It is worth noting that the idiom "tell against" is primarily used in British English and may not be as commonly heard in American English. However, due to the widespread use of the English language and its influence on various cultures, it can still be encountered in American literature, films, and other forms of media.

The idiom "tell against" shares some similarities with other idioms that are related to negative consequences or unfavorable outcomes. One such idiom is "tell tales," which means to reveal or divulge information, often to the detriment of someone else. Similarly, when someone "turns against" another person, they change their loyalty or support, often causing harm or detriment to the person they were previously allied with. This can be seen as working or acting unfavorably towards them.

Another related idiom is "fly in the face of," which means to go against or contradict something that is widely accepted or believed. This can have negative consequences for the person going against the prevailing opinion or norm. Similarly, when evidence "gives the lie to" someone's statement or claim, it exposes it as false or deceptive. This can have a detrimental effect on their credibility or reputation.

Lastly, the idiom "tell tales out of school" refers to revealing or sharing private or confidential information that is not meant to be disclosed. Doing so can have negative consequences for the person sharing the information, as well as for the person or people involved in the disclosed information. It can cause harm or damage to relationships, reputations, and trust.

The idiom "tell against" is an expression commonly used in the English language to describe situations where something works or acts unfavorably or to the disadvantage of someone or something. Its precise origin may be uncertain, but it has been used for centuries and can be found in various works of literature. Whether describing the negative impact of certain characteristics on a person's chances of success or the undermining of an argument by contradicting evidence, this idiom represents a significant aspect of the English language. It continues to be relevant in contemporary contexts, demonstrating the enduring nature of idiomatic expressions and their ability to capture the nuances of human experience.