tell tales

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tell tales

to tell someone in authority about something bad that someone has done because you want to cause trouble for them. She wasn't very popular at school - she was the sort of kid who was always telling tales about other kids. (often + about) I had half a mind to tell my boss about him but I didn't want her to think I was telling tales.

See also: tales, tell

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? References in classic literature
Luckily there is no distinction of dress nowadays to tell tales, but--but-- but Yours affectionately. Mansfield Park by Austen, Jane View in context "Very good," said the hunchback; "and with pupils one may well tell tales out of school. Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book For All And None by Nietzsche, Friedrich View in context You had better say nothing about this to our father, for he does not believe a word you say; and if you tell tales, you shall lose your life into the bargain: but be quiet, and we will let you off. Fairy Tales by Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm View in context More results

References in classic literature

Luckily there is no distinction of dress nowadays to tell tales, but--but-- but Yours affectionately.

Mansfield Park by Austen, Jane View in context

"Very good," said the hunchback; "and with pupils one may well tell tales out of school.

Thus Spake Zarathustra: A Book For All And None by Nietzsche, Friedrich View in context

You had better say nothing about this to our father, for he does not believe a word you say; and if you tell tales, you shall lose your life into the bargain: but be quiet, and we will let you off.

Fairy Tales by Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm View in context

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tell it like it is
tell it/that to the marines
tell its own tale
Tell me about it
Tell me another
tell off
tell on

tell tales
tell time
tell where to get off
tell you what
tell-tale
telling
temper
tempers fray

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