tell tales: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tell tales’ mean?
The idiom "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
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 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 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.
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.
The idiom "tell apart" means to distinguish or recognize the difference between two or more similar things or people.
The idiom "tell against" means to work or speak in a way that is unfavorable or damaging to someone or something.
Decoding the Signal of "Tell Tales"
The idiom "tell tales" has a long history and is used in various contexts. It is commonly used to describe someone who spreads gossip or shares information that may not be accurate or reliable.
The origins of this idiom can be traced back to ancient times. In medieval Europe, people communicated through stories and narratives, often filled with exaggerations or fabrications. These tales were passed on from one person to another, leading to the phrase "tell tales," which originally meant to share anecdotes or stories, regardless of their accuracy.
Over time, the meaning of the idiom evolved, and it became associated with the act of spreading gossip or revealing secrets. The notion of "telling tales out of school" emerged, referring specifically to sharing confidential or sensitive information. This act was often frowned upon as it could lead to mistrust or damage reputations. So, when someone "tells tales out of school," they are sharing things they shouldn't.
In modern usage, "tell tales" is commonly used to describe someone who gossips or spreads rumors. It implies that the person is not trustworthy or reliable, as they may exaggerate or distort the truth. This negative connotation is often used to caution against engaging in such behavior.
The idiom has also taken on a more literal sense, referring to someone who enjoys sharing stories or anecdotes without the negative implications of gossip. For example, someone who loves recounting their travel experiences or passionately shares interesting facts might be described as a "tell-tale." In this context, the idiom carries a more neutral or even positive meaning.
"Tell tales" is related to several other idioms, each with its own unique connotation.
The idiom "tell all" is synonymous with "tell tales" and is used to describe someone who reveals everything, often in a candid or open manner. It can refer to sharing personal experiences, insider information, or private details. When someone "tells all," they don't hold back and give listeners a full account.
"tell the truth" is an idiom commonly used to emphasize the importance of honesty. It is a straightforward way of requesting or expecting honesty from someone. When asking someone to "tell the truth," you are urging them to be sincere and not to withhold any information.
The phrase "to tell the truth" is similar to "tell the truth" and is used as an introductory statement to indicate forthcoming candor or honesty. When someone begins a sentence with "to tell the truth," they are preparing others for an honest or genuine response.
"pray tell" is an idiomatic expression used to politely request someone to share information. It is often used when the speaker is genuinely interested in hearing someone's story or explanation. When asking "pray tell," the speaker is inviting the other person to share something interesting or informative.
The idiom "tell tales" has a rich history and has retained its relevance in modern language. It signifies the act of spreading gossip or sharing information, often with a negative undertone. However, it can also be used in a more neutral sense, to describe someone who enjoys sharing stories or anecdotes. Like many idioms, "tell tales" encompasses a range of meanings and interpretations, making it a fascinating and versatile phrase in the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom tell tales can be used in a sentence:
- She always tells tales about her classmates to get attention.
- He likes to tell tales about his adventurous travels to entertain his friends.
- Don't believe everything she says, she tends to tell tall tales.
The idiom "tell tales" is used to describe the act of telling stories or spreading gossip, often with the intention of drawing attention or entertaining others. It can also imply the exaggeration or fabrication of information. The examples provided demonstrate different contexts in which this idiom can be applied.
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