I tell you

1. A phrase emphasizing that the speaker is about to present their opinion on something. I tell you, this burger might be the best I've ever had. I tell you, that was some party. Dude, you should have been there! I tell you, this side of town gets seedier every time I come here.

2. I assure you; please listen to what I am saying because it is important. You've got the wrong man, I tell you! Whoa, I tell you, it was Julia who pulled the prank, not me. I had nothing to do with this, I tell you! I wasn't even at the school at the time!

I ˈtell you

I can ˈtell you

I’m ˈtelling you

I can’t ˈtell you how, etc. ...

(spoken) used to emphasize what you are saying, especially when it is surprising or difficult to believe: It’s not as easy as it looks, I’m telling you. ♢ I can’t tell you how happy I felt (= it is difficult to describe my happiness, because it was so great).