told

all told

Fig. totaled up; including all parts. All told, he earned about $700 last week. All told, he has many fine characteristics.

if I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times

Fig. an expression that introduces a scolding, usually to a child. Mother: If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times, don't leave your clothes in a pile on the floor! Bill: Sorry. "If I've toldyou once, I've told you a thousand times, keep out of my study!" yelled Bob.

See also: if, thousand, times

little bird told me

Fig. a way of indicating that you do not want to reveal who told you something. (Sometimes used playfully, when you think that the person you are addressing knows or can guess who was the source of your information.) Jill: Thank you for the beautiful present! How did you know I wanted a green silk scarf? Jane: A little bird told me. Bill: How did you find out it was my birthday? Jane: A little bird told me.

See also: bird, little

---

A little bird told me (so).

something that you say in order to let someone know that you are not going to tell them who gave you the information being discussed 'So who told you she'd got the job?' 'Oh, let's just say a little bird told me so.'

See also: bird, little

all told

in total There were 550 people there, all told.

---

all told

as a total All told, there were 550 people there.