tell against (someone or something)

tell against (someone or something)

To impact on or affect someone or something in a particularly disadvantageous, detrimental, or otherwise adverse manner. The lineup of superstar athletes should have told against the opposition, an band of newcomers and B-listers, but the underdogs' tenacity and energy saw them manage a stunning upset. Not being able to represent life as it really is will unfortunately tell against writers and artists living under this oppressive regime.

See also: tell

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

tell against

v.

To have an adverse impact on someone or something: Their lack of experience may tell against them during the job interview.

See also: tell

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.