tell it to the judge: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tell it to the judge’ mean?
The idiom "tell it to the judge" means to present your case or argument to the person in authority who has the power to make a decision or pass judgment on it.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to tell the truth" means being honest and sincere in one's statement or confession.
The idiom "tell you the truth" is a way to emphasize honesty in a statement, suggesting that the speaker is about to share their true thoughts or feelings on a matter. It signifies a candid and sincere expression.
The idiom "tell the truth" means to be honest and not lie or deceive. It is often used in the context of revealing or sharing accurate information or facts without any distortion.
The idiom "tell tales out of school" means to reveal or gossip about private or confidential information or secrets, especially ones that should not be shared publicly.
The idiom "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
The idiom "tell someone where to shove it" means to angrily reject or dismiss someone or something, often with hostility or contempt.
The idiom "tell it to the marines" means don't expect me to believe a ridiculous story or lie. It implies that only someone naive or gullible, like a new recruit in the marines, would believe such a tale.
The idiom "tell it to Sweeney" means to speak to someone who is uninterested or unsympathetic about one's problems or complaints.
"Tell it like it is" means to speak honestly and bluntly, without sugarcoating or hiding the truth.
The idiom "tell fortunes" means to predict someone's future - often by using supernatural methods or reading signs. It is used figuratively to describe any attempt to predict what will happen.
Deciphering Legal Rhetoric
The idiom "tell it to the judge" is a common phrase in American English that dismisses someone's statement as irrelevant or unconvincing. It's often used sarcastically or mockingly when someone presents an argument that the listener finds untrustworthy. It suggests that only a judge in a court of law would find the statement believable or relevant.
The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it likely comes from the legal system, where judges have the authority to evaluate statements and make informed decisions based on evidence. When someone says "tell it to the judge," they're essentially challenging the speaker to present their case before someone who can make a fair judgment.
This idiom is encountered in various contexts and has become firmly entrenched in everyday language. It's not exclusive to the legal system and is commonly used as a dismissive remark. It implies that the listener has no interest in hearing the speaker's argument and suggests that the claim is not worthy of consideration.
It's important to note that the idiom doesn't involve invoking the legal system or presenting a case before a judge. It functions as a rhetorical device to express skepticism or lack of interest.
"Tell it to the judge" is primarily used in American English and may be less familiar in other English-speaking countries. Its frequent usage in the United States reflects the cultural significance of the legal system in American society. The idiom highlights the deep-seated skepticism and dismissal of statements that permeate American culture.
In addition to "tell it to the judge," there are other idioms that relate to the concept of the legal system and making statements:
The idiom "stand trial" is used to describe the process of facing a judge and jury in a formal legal setting to answer to charges or accusations. It implies that the speaker must present their case in a court of law and subject themselves to a fair judgment.
The phrase "to tell the truth" suggests the importance of honesty when making statements or presenting information. It conveys the idea that the speaker should not withhold or distort the truth.
The idiom "tell tales" refers to the act of sharing stories or information, sometimes in a gossip-like manner. It implies that the speaker is recounting events or details, often with negative connotations.
The idiom "tell it to the judge" dismisses someone's statement as unconvincing or irrelevant. It originated from the legal system and challenges the speaker to present their case before a judge. The idiom is commonly used in American English and reflects the skepticism and dismissal of statements in American culture. Additionally, related idioms like "stand trial," "to tell the truth," and "tell tales" further emphasize the connection between the legal system and making statements.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "tell it to the judge" can be used in a sentence:
- She was caught speeding, but when the police officer pulled her over, she said, "Tell it to the judge." (In this example, the person is dismissing the officer and suggesting that their case will be heard and decided by a judge in court.)
- When Mark accused Sarah of stealing his phone, she calmly replied, "Tell it to the judge" before walking away. (In this example, Sarah is essentially saying that she is unconcerned with Mark's accusation and doesn't feel the need to justify or defend herself as she believes only a judge can make a fair judgement.)
- During the heated argument, Jim angrily shouted at his neighbor, "If you don't like it, go ahead and tell it to the judge!" (In this example, Jim is challenging his neighbor to take their disagreement to a court of law instead of arguing about it in their neighborhood.)
More "Legal" idioms
