do tell

do tell

An exclamation of surprised or incredulous curiosity, sometimes (but not necessarily) a literal prompt for the speaker to tell more. You're getting a divorce? Do tell!

See also: tell

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

do tell

A phrase used to express surprise about something, as in Jane's getting married again? Do tell. This expression does not necessarily ask the speaker to provide more details but merely expresses one's astonishment. [Colloquial; first half of 1800] For a synonym, see you don't say.

See also: tell

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Do tell

sent. Is that so? (A disinterested way of holding up one end of a conversation.) So, you’re a dentist. Do tell.

See also: tell

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

do tell

Is that really so? This phrase, expressing either disbelief or sarcasm, has been around since the early nineteenth century. John Neal used it in The Down-Easters (1833), “George Middleton, hey?—do tell!—is that his name?”

See also: tell

The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer Copyright © 2013 by Christine Ammer