telltell /tel/ ●●● verb (past tense and past participle told) /təʊld $ toʊld/ S1 W1 
I wish someone had told me the meeting was canceled. The Chief of Police told reporters that two people were killed in the blast.tell somebody what/how/where/who etc Jack had to go, but he didn’t tell me why. I think you’d better tell me exactly what’s been going on around here.tell somebody about something No one had told them about the drug’s side effects. I’ll tell you all about it when I get back.tell somebody something Tell me your phone number again.tell (somebody) a story/joke/secret/lie She told us some funny stories about her sister. Sheppard was telling the truth.tell somebody straight (=tell someone the truth, even though it might upset them) Tell me straight, Adam. Just answer yes or no.► see thesaurus at explain, reveal → see Thesaurus box on 000000RegisterIn written English, people often prefer to say that another writer describes something, rather than using tell:· His book describes how the human brain has developed.2show something [transitive] to give information in ways other than talkingtell somebody how/what/where/who etc The light tells you when the machine is ready. The bear’s sense of smell tells it where prey is hiding.tell somebody about something What do these fossils tell us about climate change?3what somebody should do [transitive] to say that someone must do somethingtell somebody (not) to do something The teacher told the children to sit down quietly. I thought I told you not to touch anything!tell somebody (that) Bernice was told she had to work late this evening.tell somebody what/how etc Stop trying to tell me what to do all the time. Do as you are told (=obey me) and don’t ask questions.► see thesaurus at advise, order, recommend4know [intransitive, transitive not in progressive] to know something or be able to recognize something because of certain signs that show thiscan/can’t tell She might have been lying. Benjy couldn’t tell.tell (that) The moment Kramer walked in, I could tell that things were not going well.tell (something) a mile off (=know easily) You could tell a mile off that he was lying.tell when/how/whether/if etc It’s hard to tell how long the job will take.tell something by something/from something I could tell from his tone of voice that Ken was disappointed.5recognize difference [transitive not in progressive] to be able to see how one person or thing is different from anothertell something from something How can you tell a fake Vuitton handbag from the real thing? Can you tell the difference between sparkling wine and champagne? → tell6tell yourself something to persuade yourself that something is true: I keep telling myself there is nothing I could have done to save him.7warn [transitive usually in past tense] to warn someone that something bad might happentell somebody (that) I told you it was a waste of time talking to him.tell somebody (not) to do something My mother told me not to trust Robert.8tell somebody about bad behaviour [intransitive] informal to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone you know has done – used especially by children SYN tell on somebody: If you hit me, I’ll tell. → kiss-and-tell9tell tales British English to say something that is not true about someone else, in order to cause trouble for them – used especially about children: an unpopular boy, who was always telling tales on the other children → telltale210all told altogether, when everyone or everything has been counted: There must have been eight cars in the accident, all told.11affect [intransitive not in progressive] to have an effect on someone, especially a harmful onetell on somebody These late nights are really beginning to tell on him.12tell the time British English, tell time American English to be able to know what time it is by looking at a clockSPOKEN PHRASES13I/I’ll tell you what (also tell you what) a)used when you are suggesting or offering something: I tell you what – let’s have a picnic in the park. b)American English used in order to emphasize what you are really saying: I tell you what, I’m not looking forward to standing up in court tomorrow.14to tell (you) the truth used to emphasize that you are being very honest: I don’t really want to go out, to tell the truth.15I can tell you/I’m telling you used to emphasize that what you are saying is true even though it may be difficult to believe: I’m telling you, Sheila, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.16tell me used before asking a question: Tell me, do you think this dress goes with these shoes? So tell me, how was it in Argentina?17I told you so used when you have warned someone about a possible danger that has now happened and they have ignored your warning: I suppose you’ve come to say ‘I told you so.’18I’ll tell you something/one thing/another thing (also let me tell you something/one thing/another thing) used to emphasize what you are saying: I’ll tell you one thing – you’ll never get me to vote for him. Let me tell you something – if I catch you kids smoking again, you’ll be grounded for a month at least.19you can tell him/her etc from me used to ask someone to tell another person something, when you are annoyed or determined: Well, you can tell him from me that I’m going to make a complaint.20I couldn’t tell you used to tell someone that you do not know the answer to their question: ‘How much would a rail ticket cost?’ ‘I couldn’t tell you; I always drive.’21I can’t tell you a)used to say that you cannot tell someone something because it is a secret: ‘Where are you taking me?’ ‘I can’t tell you; it would spoil the surprise.’ b)used to say that you cannot express your feelings or describe something properlytell how/why/what etc I can’t tell you how worried I’ve been.22don’t tell me used to interrupt someone because you know what they are going to say or because you want to guess – used especially when you are annoyed: ‘I’m sorry I’m late but ...’ ‘Don’t tell me – the car broke down again?’23somebody tells me (that) used to say what someone has told you: Mike tells me you’ve got a new job.24you’re telling me used to emphasize that you already know and agree with something that someone has just said: ‘He’s such a pain to live with.’ ‘You’re telling me!’25tell me about it used to say that you already know how bad something is, especially because you have experienced it yourself: ‘I’ve been so tired lately.’ ‘Yeah, tell me about it!’26you never can tell/you can never tell used to say that you cannot be certain about what will happen in the future: The boy might turn out to be a genius. You never can tell.27there’s no telling what/how etc used to say that it is impossible to know what has happened or what will happen next: There’s no telling what she’ll try next.28 that would be telling used to say that you cannot tell someone something because it is a secret29tell somebody where to go/where to get off used to tell someone angrily that what they have said is insulting or unfair: ‘Andy started criticizing the way I was dressed.’ ‘I hope you told him where to get off!’30tell it like it is American English to say exactly what you think or what is true, without hiding anything that might upset or offend people: Don always tells it like it is.31I’m not telling (you) used to say that you refuse to tell someone something: ‘Mum, what are you getting me for my birthday?’ ‘I’m not telling you – you’ll have to wait and see.’32tell me another (one) used when you do not believe what someone has told youGRAMMAR: Patterns with tell• In meaning 1, tell is transitive and must be followed by an object.• You tell someone something: · He told her the news.• You tell something to someone: · He told the news to his mother. ✗Don’t say: He told to his mother the news.• You tell someone about something: · He told me about his feelings. ✗Don’t say: He told about his feelings.• You tell someone to do something: · He told me to sit down.• You use tell someone (that) when reporting what someone said: · He told them that he was sorry.· She told me I could go. ✗Don’t say: He told that he was sorry.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSCOLLOCATIONSnounstell a story/tale· He then told the story of how he was injured while riding his motorcycle.tell a joke· They sat around telling terrible jokes.tell somebody a secret· I offered to tell her my secret if she didn’t tell anyone else.tell a lie· They told lies about us.tell the truth· ‘I’m telling you the truth,’ she persisted.THESAURUStell to give someone information by speaking or writing to them: · She wrote to tell me she was getting married.· Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?let somebody know especially spoken to tell someone something when you know more about it: · Let me know your new address as soon as you can.· Let us know what happens at the interview.pass a message on to somebody (also pass it on informal) to tell another person the information that has been told to you: · She’s with a client at the moment, but I’ll pass the message on to her.· If I get any news, I’ll pass it on.brief to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they can do their work: · Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.relate formal to tell someone about something that happened to you or to someone else: · One girl related a story about a friend who had accidentally become pregnant.recount formal to tell someone about a series of events: · The guide recounted the history of the castle, from the 1300s onwards.bring something to somebody’s attention to tell someone about something that they did not know about, but which they need to know about: · I wanted to bring the matter to your attention.· She was the first person to study the effects of pesticides, and to bring them to people’s attention.fill somebody in informal to tell someone about things that have happened recently, especially at work: · Can you fill Robert in on the progress we’ve made while he’s been on holiday?to officially tell someoneinform to officially tell someone about something: · Do you think we ought to inform the police?· Doctors should inform patients about the possible side effects of any drugs they prescribe.announce to tell people publicly and officially about something: · The university chancellor announced his resignation on Friday.· It was announced that the company had made a profit of $6 billion.report to officially tell someone about something that has happened: · She was able to report that the project was nearly finished.notify formal to tell someone officially about something that has happened or that is planned to happen: · Staff were notified several months in advance that they would be losing their jobs.tell against somebody phrasal verb British English formal to make someone less likely to succeed in achieving or winning something: I badly wanted the job, but knew that my age would probably tell against me.tell somebody/something apart phrasal verb if you can tell two people or things apart, you can see the difference between them, so that you do not confuse them SYN distinguish: It’s almost impossible to tell the twins apart.tell of somebody/something phrasal verb literary to describe an event or person: The poem tells of the deeds of a famous warrior.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that a poem, story etc is about something rather than tells of something:· What's his latest poem about?tell somebody ↔ off phrasal verb if someone in authority tells you off, they speak to you angrily about something wrong that you have donebe/get told off Shelley was one of those kids who was always getting told off at school.tell somebody off for doing something My dad told me off for swearing.tell on somebody phrasal verb informal to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone you know has done – used especially by children: Please don’t tell on me – my parents will kill me if they find out!
WORD ORIGINtell
Origin:
Old English tellanVERB TABLE
tell
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | tell |
| he, she, it | tells | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | told |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have told |
| he, she, it | has told | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had told |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will tell |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have told |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am telling |
| he, she, it | is telling | |
| you, we, they | are telling | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was telling |
| you, we, they | were telling | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been telling |
| he, she, it | has been telling | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been telling |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be telling |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been telling |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Can you tell what this is with your eyes shut?" "It tastes of strawberry, but I'm not sure."
- "Wait here!" he told the children.
- "What colour was the car?" "I couldn't tell in the dark."
- A sign told us it was the highest village in England.
- At the moment, we can only tell the twins apart by looking at their name tags.
- Can you tell me how to log on to the Internet?
- Can you tell me the quickest way to the centre of town?
- Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?
- Come here Eva - let me tell you a secret.
- Do as you're told and go and wash your hands.
- Don't tell anyone about this just yet.
- Don't tell me how to behave in public!
- Have you told anyone about this?
- He didn't tell me where he got this information.
- His years in the army certainly tell in his attitude to his work.
- I'm telling you this in the strictest confidence, so not a word to anyone.
- I'm in charge here, and I'm not going to have anyone telling me what to do.
- I told him to go and see a doctor if he was worried.
- I find it really difficult to tell the difference between Frank and his brother.
- I thought I told you to be in bed by 10 o'clock!
- He told me about his time in the delta.
- I told him about my dream for a course there.
- I told Mrs Viney to leave our supper ready.
- Maybe, he's told, he's much more than a celebrity.
- Remember you promised me you would never tell anybody.
- Women are told it's prostitution or a beating, or death.
THESAURUS
to give someone information by speaking or writing to them: · She wrote to tell me she was getting married.· Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?
especially spoken to tell someone something when you know more about it: · Let me know your new address as soon as you can.· Let us know what happens at the interview.
(also pass it on informal) to tell another person the information that has been told to you: · She’s with a client at the moment, but I’ll pass the message on to her.· If I get any news, I’ll pass it on.
to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they can do their work: · Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.
formal to tell someone about something that happened to you or to someone else: · One girl related a story about a friend who had accidentally become pregnant.
formal to tell someone about a series of events: · The guide recounted the history of the castle, from the 1300s onwards.
to tell someone about something that they did not know about, but which they need to know about: · I wanted to bring the matter to your attention.· She was the first person to study the effects of pesticides, and to bring them to people’s attention.
informal to tell someone about things that have happened recently, especially at work: · Can you fill Robert in on the progress we’ve made while he’s been on holiday?
to officially tell someone to officially tell someone about something: · Do you think we ought to inform the police?· Doctors should inform patients about the possible side effects of any drugs they prescribe.
to tell people publicly and officially about something: · The university chancellor announced his resignation on Friday.· It was announced that the company had made a profit of $6 billion.
to officially tell someone about something that has happened: · She was able to report that the project was nearly finished.
formal to tell someone officially about something that has happened or that is planned to happen: · Staff were notified several months in advance that they would be losing their jobs.
Longman Language Activatorto give someone information by speaking or writing to them · If you'd told me earlier I might have been able to do something about it.tell somebody something · I want you to tell me all the details.· Who on earth told you that?· Can you tell me the quickest way to the centre of town?tell somebody (that) · She wrote to tell me she was getting married.· We were told that the manager wanted to see us in his office immediately.tell somebody what/where/who etc · Just tell me what happened.· Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?tell somebody about something · Have you told anyone about this?· One angry passenger claimed travellers were not told about the mechanical problems.
especially spoken to tell someone something important that they need to know or want to know: · If you need any help, just let me know.· You mean she just left without letting anyone know?let sb know about: · They said they'd let her know about the job by the end of the week.let somebody know something: · I'll let you know our new address as soon as I have it.let sb know (that): · When you get there, will you phone and let me know you arrived safely?let sb know what/where/how etc: · Jean tried to get in touch with her husband to let him know what had happened.
to officially or formally give someone information about something: · Do you think we ought to inform the police?inform somebody of/about something: · You should inform your bank of any change of address.· Doctors should inform patients about the possible side effects of any drugs they prescribe.inform somebody (that): · I am sorry to inform you that your application has been unsuccessful.
formal to officially or formally give important information to someone, especially by telling them about something that has happened or that will happen: · Passengers are requested to notify a member of staff if they see suspicious packages.notify somebody of something: · Police notified the boy's parents of his death immediately.notify somebody that: · Staff were notified several months in advance that they would be losing their jobs.
to tell someone about something that they did not know but which they should know: · I am sure that your parents will want to know about this, and I will personally bring it to their attention.· The General Medical Council cannot investigate every controversial treatment brought to its attention.it's been brought to my attention/notice that: · It's been brought to my notice that you've expressed your dislike of a certain member of the company.
to tell someone some bad news or something that might upset them: · Do you want to break the news or shall I?· She suspected that she had cancer, and that the doctors were trying to break it to her gradually.· After Jack's body was found, a policewoman had to break the news to his mother.break it to somebody that: · He was wondering how to break it to Celeste that their relationship was over.break the news gently/break it to somebody gently (=tell someone something in a way that does not shock them too much): · Maybe I should speak to Connor first, so he can break the news gently to Patrick and Mary.
ways of saying that a book, notice etc gives information: tell somebody how/what/where etc · This leaflet tells you how to apply for a driving licence.tell somebody something · The two dials in the middle tell you the airspeed and altitude.tell somebody (that) · A sign told us it was the highest village in England.
to provide information or details about something: give information/details/instructions etc: · The handbook gave full instructions on how to change the oil.· LA Weekly magazine gives information about what's on in Los Angeles every week.give an account/description/report: · The article gave a vivid account of life after the earthquake.give somebody information/details etc: · The footprint could give police crucial details about the man's shoe size and probable weight and size.
to give a particular piece of information about something: say something about something: · What does the guidebook say about the Opera House?it says here (that) (=it is written here that): · It says here that the police are closing in on the killer.
to tell someone the most recent information to give someone regular information about decisions, events etc, so that they know exactly what is happening: · I want to know what you decide, so keep me informed.keep sb informed of/about: · We'll be keeping you informed of any new developments.· The doctor should be kept informed about any changes in your child's condition.keep somebody fully/well informed: · During the strike, the media kept the public fully informed about the situation.· Parents have complained that we are not keeping them very well informed of their children's progress.
to give someone regular information about what has been happening most recently: · We publish a weekly newsletter to keep everyone up to date.keep sb up to date with/on: · She reads the newspaper every day to keep herself up to date with financial affairs.· the magazine that keeps you up to date on all the latest in rock and pop
to tell someone about things that have happened recently, which they do not know about because they have not talked to you for quite a long time or they have been somewhere else: · You didn't miss much - I'll fill you in laterfill sb in on: · Marjorie filled us in on all the latest gossip.· Please can someone fill me in on anything I've missed?fill somebody in on what/where/when etc: · Bob filled me in on what he had been doing since we last met.
to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they know exactly what is happening or so that they are prepared for something that they have to do: · Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.be fully/well briefed: · Make sure that the PR department are fully briefed on their role.· It was clear the witness had been well briefed.brief somebody on/about something: · You'll be picked up from here tomorrow night and briefed on what you have to do.· DeGaulle flew back to England to be briefed about the invasion that was about to begin.
informal to tell someone all the information they need to know about a situation: · "Have you heard about the deal with IBM?" "Yes, John's just been giving me the low-down."give sb the low-down on: · The travel reporter was giving the low-down on the evening's traffic chaos.
to tell someone the things that have happened concerning a particular piece of work, plan, or situation since they last saw you: · Let me give you an update on the trial.· Can you give me an update on any policy changes there've been since we last spoke?
to officially tell someone about what has been happening in a particular area of work, especially because it is your job to do so: · Is there anything to report?report to somebody on something: · Nicky reports to me on any new developments in the relevant technological fields.report back (to somebody): · The delegation will report back to Congress on the situation inside China.
to publicly tell a lot of people about something to tell the public about a decision that has been made, or about something that will happen: · The government has announced the date of the next election.· The winner of the award will be announced at a dinner at the Sheraton Hotel.announce (that): · The Spanish government announced that it would invest over $14,000 million in the Latin American region.
to give people news about what is happening, in newspapers, on television, or on the radio: · The local newspaper has reported several cases of meningitis in the area.report (that): · Our foreign correspondent reports that conditions in the refugee camps are filthy and overcrowded.report on: · She was sent to Washington to report on the presidential elections.
also publicise British to use the newspapers, television etc to provide information about something such as a new product, a special event, or an important subject, because you want everyone to know about it : · She did a series of interviews to publicize her new book.· Orlov spent seven years in prison for publicizing human-rights violations.well publicized (=mentioned a lot in newspapers, on television etc): · The parade was well publicized, and thousands of people came to see it.· a well-publicized case
to tell a story · Some people are really good at telling stories.· You said you would tell me a story if I was good.tell (sb) a story about · He began by telling the children a story about a giant who was very unpopular with all the other giants because he wouldn't eat people.
to tell a story by describing all the events in order, especially at the same time as actors act them out: · "The Snowman", narrated by Bernard Cribbins· John Peace narrates his tale, taking us from his beginnings through university and professional training into his old age.
a person who tells stories for entertainment: · He was a marvellous storyteller. The children would listen to him for hours.· In the old oral tradition, the storyteller was an important link with the past.
the person in a story who seems to speak directly to the reader and who describes everything that happens - used especially when you write about literature: · Ishmael, the narrator of the story, tells the reader why he went to sea.· Flaubert's narrator enters Emma Bovary's consciousness from time to time, to describe events from her point of view.
to let someone know something without telling them directly to let someone know something without telling them directly, for example by behaving in a particular way or by telling someone else who you know will then tell the person: · The Queen made her displeasure known by cancelling her visit.make your feelings/views/wishes known: · People without the right to vote were often able to make their feelings known through demonstrations or riots.make it known that: · The other boys in Steven's class took every opportunity to make it known that he was not accepted.
formal to make someone think that something is true, or that something will happen, but without actually saying this clearly: · A friend of your daughter's gave us to understand that you lived in Michigan.· Although I received no official indication, I was given to understand that I would be promoted within a year.
if someone lets you know something shocking, bad, or unkind, but not in so many words , they let you know that it is true without saying it directly: · "Did Sarah tell you she was leaving?" "Not in so many words, no."
to tell someone something that someone else has told you to give someone a message or some information that another person has asked you to give: pass on something (to somebody): · Could you pass on my thanks for all these lovely gifts?· Please pass on my sympathy to Mr and Mrs Stanton.pass something on (to somebody): · She said she'd pass the message on to the other students.· I'm grateful for everything that has been said today, and I will be sure to pass it on.
to send or give someone an official message, a piece of news, information etc which you have received from another person: · Mendoza relayed the news as soon as he returned to the base.relay to: · The speaker opened the session by relaying some messages to the conference.
to tell someone what you are feeling to tell someone about something that has been worrying you or annoying you for a long time so that you feel better afterwards: · I feel so much better now that I've got that off my chest.· Writing to you is a good way to get things off my chest.
to tell someone everything about some strong emotions that you are feeling, especially feelings of unhappiness: · Suddenly, Jason burst into tears and poured out his heart, telling his mother all about everything.pour out your heart/soul to: · I had no idea Kay was so unhappy until she poured out her soul to me last night.
to tell someone about something very private or secret, especially a personal problem, because you feel that you can trust them: · He was a good listener and Elinor found it easy to confide in him.confide in about: · He wanted desperately to confide in someone about his feelings of failure.confide in that: · Harriet confided in me that she and Mark were considering divorce.
to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone has done to tell someone in authority, especially a parent or teacher, about something wrong that someone has done - used by children: · I'm going to tell if you don't stop messing around.· Please don't tell on me -- Mum thinks I've been staying at my friend's house.
also split on somebody British informal to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone has done, especially when this seems disloyal: · Can you believe he ratted on his own brother?· Don't worry, Robert's reliable. He won't split on us.
British /tattle (on somebody) American if a child tells tales or tattles on someone, they tell a parent or teacher about something another child has done in order to cause trouble: · "Mum, Daniel's broken a plate." "Don't tell tales, dear."· Sarah's teacher told her it was silly to keep tattling on her classmates.· You'll lose all your friends if you keep tattling.
to give information about a crime, an accident etc to the police or to someone in authority: · I'd like to report a theft.report something to somebody: · All accidents must be reported at once to the aviation authority.· Many rape victims are too scared to report the attack to the police.report somebody (for something): · A man has been reported for a number of alleged motoring offences.
to secretly tell the police that someone you know has done something illegal: · Charlotte informed on her brother, who was then arrested for drug-dealing.· He categorically denied that he had ever informed on dissidents.
British informal /squeal American informal to tell the police who is responsible for a crime or illegal activity when this seems disloyal: · When we got there the cops were waiting for us. Somebody must have squealed.grass on: · If the others ever found out he'd squealed on them, they'd kill him.· You grassed on us to save your own life.grass somebody up: · I don't trust her -- what if she grasses us up?
to give the police information about a crime that you know about or are involved in, especially when they are questioning you officially about it: · The suspect was questioned for two hours, but refused to talk.· He said he'd come back and kill me if I talked.
to let people know about an illegal activity which has been happening for a long time, especially when you have been helping to keep it secret: · He was shot because he knew too much and was about to blow the whistle. blow the whistle about: · It was the factory manager who eventually blew the whistle about the pollution scandal.blow the whistle on: · We'd better get her before she has a chance to blow the whistle on us.
to give the police or another authority information that will allow them to prevent a crime taking place: tip off somebody: · Somebody must have tipped off the police. They were already waiting at the house.· The alert was started by another inmate who tipped off prison staff.tip somebody off: · I wonder who tipped them off.tip somebody off that: · His contact had not merely tipped him off that drugs were on the premises, he had told him where to look.
to make public the names of people who have done something wrong: · If you don't give me the money, I'm going to start naming names.· Someone -- I won't name names -- has been caught stealing from the stores.
especially British, informal /narc especially American, informal to secretly tell the police or someone in authority about someone else's criminal activity, especially activities involving illegal drugs: · "How'd they get caught?" "Somebody must've narked."nark on: · If things get too risky, Ken'll probably narc on you to the cops.
someone who gives information to the police someone who is part of or closely connected with a criminal organization but who secretly tells the police about its activities: · An informer had warned police about the bombing.police informer/informant: · The three men were released on condition that they became police informants.
British informal someone who secretly gives the police information about someone who is responsible for a crime, in return for money, when this seems disloyal: · I wouldn't inform on you -- I'm no grass.
especially British, informal /narc especially American, informal someone who is friendly with criminals and who secretly tells the police about their activities, especially activities involving illegal drugs: · I wouldn't trust that new guy - I think he's a narc.
especially American a criminal who helps the police to trap other criminals by telling the police about a crime that is going to take place: · How could he ever live with himself after being a stool pigeon?
someone who gives information to the police, a newspaper etc, especially someone who does not want their name to be known: · It's the first duty of a journalist to protect his or her sources (=not say who they are).· Our source informed us that there was a possibility of another attack the following week, possibly in the central London area.
to tell someone something that was a secret to tell someone something that should be kept secret: · What did she say? Tell me!· If someone asked me to keep a secret I would never tell.tell somebody where/what/who etc: · He didn't tell me where he got this information.tell somebody about something: · Don't tell anyone about this just yet.tell somebody a secret: · Come here Eva - let me tell you a secret.tell somebody something in the strictest confidence (=tell someone something on the condition that they do not tell anyone): · I'm telling you this in the strictest confidence, so not a word to anyone.
especially written to let people know about something that was previously kept secret: · The company has just revealed its plans for the coming year, including the opening of new offices in Paris.· What actually happened to the gold has never been revealed.reveal (that): · Markov revealed that he had once worked for the CIA.· Ginsberg withdrew his application to become Attorney General after it was revealed that he had smoked marijuana at college.
to publicly reveal something such as a fact or a name that has been kept secret or hidden: · The agent does not have to disclose the amount his client paid.disclose that: · In the report it was disclosed that neither pilot nor controller had any experience of the radar system in use at the time of the crash.disclose information/details/evidence etc: · The Security Service is unlikely to disclose any information.disclose somebody's identity (=say who someone is): · He refused to disclose the identity of the politician.
to make a piece of important information known to the public, especially after keeping it secret for some time: · The Senator will make his decision public on Friday.· Reporters learned the news on Friday but agreed not to make it public until the following day.make it public that: · Freddie Mercury died only two days after making it public that he was suffering from AIDS.
formal to give someone some very important and often personal information which was previously secret or unknown: · The other three companies refused to divulge their plans.divulge what/where/when etc: · I'm afraid I cannot divulge what Jameson said to me.divulge something to somebody: · The contract forbids employees to divulge details of this work to anyone outside the company.
to tell the public about the secret activities of a person or organization, because you think that people ought to know about something morally wrong that is being done: · Her criminal activities were finally exposed in the Washington Post by political columnist Richard McCallum.expose to: · They threatened to expose him to the media unless he changed his ways.
to deliberately give secret government information to a newspaper or television company: · A man was charged today with leaking official secrets.· The Congressman was furious that the report had been leaked.leak something to somebody: · The contents of the fax were leaked to the press
informal to tell someone about something that has been planned and was supposed to be a secret: · "Does Phillip know about our plan?" "Yes, someone must have spilled the beans."· The class managed to keep the party a secret until Lorraine, unable to control herself any longer, spilled the beans.
informal to tell someone about a secret plan or idea so that they are involved in it, especially because you trust them: · We'll let you in on our plan if you promise to keep it a secret.· I know you're up to something so you might as well let me in on it.
informal to tell someone a secret - use this when you disapprove of this: · OK I'll tell you, but you'd better not blab!blab about: · She went and blabbed about Ernie's surprise party.blab to: · Better not say anything about it to Mickey -- he'll just end up blabbing to someone.
to accidentally tell someone a secret: let slip that · Alex let slip that he had spoken to Julie on the phone and knew where she was.let slip something/let something slip · He inadvertently let slip the name of their new product.
informal to accidentally tell someone something that allows them to guess a secret: · I'm sorry. Jim knows about last week's party. I'm afraid I let the cat out of the bag.· Some idiot's let the cat out of the bag -- Mrs Simpson realizes there's something going on.
British /give the whole thing away American informal to accidentally say something or do something that makes someone guess a secret: · Don't mention Dad's birthday or you'll give the game away.· If you don't want to give the whole thing away, take that stupid smile off your face!
to deliberately not tell someone a secret · I'm leaving next month to start another job, but don't tell anyone just yet.· She knew she had cancer, but she didn't tell anyone.
to not tell other people about something or not let them find out about it: · He said it was vital to keep Operation Beehive secret.· It was impossible for the affair to be kept secret.keep sth (a) secret from: · At first I tried to keep my illness a secret from my wife.
to not tell anyone anything at all about something, because it is very important that no one knows about it: · It's supposed to be a big surprise, so don't breathe a word.· Don't worry, I won't tell a soul about any of this.
to not tell anyone about something that you know is happening, especially something that other people would disapprove of because it is slightly illegal or unfair: keep quiet about: · I wish I'd kept quiet about the money.· We'd better keep quiet about this for now.keep it quiet: · We can give you a 10% raise, but not the others -- so keep it quiet, won't you?
to not tell other people something that someone has told you, or something that you have found out about: · Don't tell Sam -- he's incapable of keeping anything to himself.· Branson knew who the killer was, but had kept it to himself for twenty years.
to deliberately not tell someone something that you know, especially because you are worried about telling them, or because it might upset them: · If a patient is dying, I don't think doctors have a right to keep it from them.· I've tried to ask her what's worrying her, but she says it's nothing. I'm sure she's keeping something from me.
to not tell someone certain facts about something when telling them everything else about it: keep something back: · I got the feeling he was keeping something back.keep back something: · Although most of the facts were published the government kept back certain details that might prove embarrassing.keep something back from somebody/keep back something from somebody: · I must now confess something which I kept back from you earlier.
to not tell someone something they want to know to not give information, especially when you have been officially asked to do so: withhold information/evidence/facts etc: · Civil servants should be as helpful as possible, and withhold information only in the interests of national security.· When the article was published, I asked for my name to be withheld.withhold from: · He was accused of withholding vital evidence from the police.
informal to refuse to give someone the information that they want, even though they keep asking you: · We all feel that members of the Medical Research Council are holding out on us.· Why are you holding out on me like this? I'm your lawyer and I need to know what happened.
to not tell anyone anything about something, especially about your plans or intentions, when they are asking about them or are very interested to know about them: · I asked Teresa if she thought she and Liam would get married, but she wouldn't give anything away.· Whatever the England manager's plans are for tonight, he's not giving anything away.
to not tell someone a secret, especially when they are asking you questions about a subject connected with that secret: · Don't worry -- I won't let on.not/never let on about: · She never let on about her boyfriend's criminal past.
ways of asking someone to tell you something spoken · Tell me Caroline, do you trust me? tell me where/when/how etc · Tell me where you left the money.· Come in and tell me what the problem is.tell me about · Tell me about Thursday night. Did you visit Mrs Berry?tell me something · Tell me a little about yourself.
spoken say this when you are annoyed or angry because someone has not told you something: · I know there's something you're not telling us, so out with it!· His name, Cathy, his name! Out with it!· What have you done? Come on -- spit it out!· Are you implying something? Spit it out then!
to make someone not tell anyone about something to make someone seriously promise that they will not tell anyone about something you have told them or something that they know about: · "What's she doing here?" "I'd better not say. She swore me to secrecy."· Nobody knows much about the organization because its members are all sworn to secrecy.
spoken used when you are telling someone that what you are saying is a secret, and you do not want them to tell anyone else about it: · Between you and me, I think Elizabeth is a bit of a nightmare.
to tell someone to do something · "Wait here!" he told the children.tell somebody to do something · The teacher told us to be quiet.· I thought I told you to be in bed by 10 o'clock!tell somebody not to do something · She told him not to phone her again.tell somebody (that) · The doctors have told me that I should give up smoking.tell somebody how/what/where etc · Don't tell me how to behave in public!· I'm in charge here, and I'm not going to have anyone telling me what to do.do as you are told (=used to tell children to obey) · Do as you're told and go and wash your hands.
to tell someone to do something in a threatening way: · "Don't move", he ordered.order somebody to do something: · A man with a gun ordered the woman to give him all her money.· He was ordered to pay £4000 towards the court costs of £10,000.order somebody out of/into/back etc: · She pointed her gun at him, ordering him out of the room.
to tell someone politely but firmly to do something or to stop doing something: · Mr Evans, I must ask you to come with me to the police station.ask somebody not to do something: · Would you ask visitors not to park their cars in front of the entrance.
to tell someone that they must do something, especially when you are angry or impatient and want them to do it immediately: demand (that): · You should demand that they finish the job now, not some time in August.· Realizing that her husband had deceived her, she demanded that he tell her the whole truth.demand an apology/a refund etc (=tell someone that they must say they are sorry, give money back etc): · How dare you say that! I demand an apology.
to tell someone firmly and repeatedly that they must do something, especially something that they do not want to do: · I didn't want to tell dad about the fight, but he insisted.insist (that): · I wanted to pay by cheque but the landlord insisted that I pay him in cash.· They're insisting we report the matter to the police right away.
to tell someone exactly what they must do or how they must behave, as if you had power to make them obey you: dictate to: · She refused to be dictated to by some stupid official in Washington.dictate how/what/where etc: · Your parents have no right to dictate how you should spend your money.
to officially tell someone to do something · Only the king has the power to order her release from prison.· After the accident the government ordered a full public enquiry.order somebody to do something · The colonel ordered his men to advance.· He was ordered to pay a total of £65 compensation.order that · The court ordered that Gilmore should be executed.order somebody into/out of/back etc · It wasn't until 1973 that Nixon finally ordered US troops out of Vietnam.
to officially tell someone to do something, especially when you tell them exactly how it should be done: instruct somebody to do something: · It is a good idea to instruct a specialist company to inspect the property for damp. · One of the secretaries had been instructed to reserve me a seat on the next plane to London.as instructed (=in the way that you have been instructed): · She took the tablets three times every day, as instructed by her doctor.
if someone such as a leader or officer gives orders or gives instructions , they tell other people exactly what they must do: give orders/instructions to do something: · It was the police chief who had given orders to shoot.give orders/instructions that: · The doctor left after giving instructions that she should rest as much as possible.give somebody orders/instructions: · The General has given them orders to bomb the city.give (somebody) strict instructions: · We were given strict instructions that nobody should be allowed in the building without a security card.
if someone such as a leader or officer issues orders or issues instructions , they tell people exactly what they should do, especially by sending a written statement: · The EC plans to issue orders banning the sale of the drug.issue orders/instructions that: · The Department of Defense has issued instructions that no one should enter the area without permission.
if a government, parliament, or court decrees that something should happen, they officially order it by making a law or by changing the existing law: · The government decreed a ban on all contact with the guerrillas by local and provincial government officials.decree (that): · In 1929 Parliament decreed that all women should have the right to vote.
if someone such as a king or a military officer commands someone to do something, they tell them officially that they must do it: command somebody to do something: · Admiral Boyle commanded the entire crew to assemble on deck.command that: · The King had the power to command that parliament be dissolved.
if someone in a position of legal authority such as a judge directs someone to do something, they order them to do it: · The judge directed the jury to find her not guilty.· He was jailed for refusing to answer questions when directed to do so in court.
to officially order someone to appear in a court of law in order to answer questions - used in legal contexts: · If you refuse to attend the trial we can always get you subpoenaed.· Another three of the president's advisors were subpoenaed.
to tell someone to come to you to send someone a message ordering them to come to you: · We'd better send for a doctor -- I think she's badly hurt.· She was sent for by the headteacher in her office.
to officially order someone to come to you: · President Clinton summoned his top White House aides to discuss the crisis.summon to: · The Colonel had summoned him to Cancun for the meeting at the Rena Victoria Hotel.summon somebody to appear (=summon them to a court of law): · I've been summoned to appear at Guildford Magistrates Court on June 1st.
to change an order that someone has given to use your power to change an order or decision that was made by someone with less power than you: · Congress has the power to override the President's veto.· Churchill issued a new order overriding previous instructions.
to use your power to change an order or decision, especially one made by a court of law or by a military leader, because you think it is wrong: · After seeing new evidence the judge overruled the court's original decision.· A general commanding American troops on the battlefield found himself overruled by politicians back in Washington.
ways of saying that you have been ordered to do something if you do something on someone's orders , or on someone's instructions , you do it because they have officially told you to do it: · On the instructions of the new military government, soldiers burned books and other documents.acting on somebody's orders/instructions (=doing what someone has told you to do): · Sergeant Dean claims that he was acting on the orders of the police chief.
if someone is under orders or under instructions to do something, they have been officially ordered to do it as part of their duty by the person they are working for: under orders/instructions to do something: · I am under instructions not to tell you the name of the person who has sent you the money.· The soldiers are under strict orders to abide by the ceasefire.acting under orders/instructions: · State troopers acting under orders from the Mayor of Los Angeles have put down the riots.
if you do something at someone's insistence , you do it because they have firmly and repeatedly said that you must, even though you may not want to: · At Joanna's insistence we stayed the night at her house.· I took a local guide with me at the insistence of the government authorities.
a statement telling someone to do something an official statement ordering you to do something, given by someone with the power to do this, especially a military officer: · We are still waiting for orders from HQ.obey/disobey an order: · The commander's orders must be obeyed at all times.· Anyone who disobeys this order will be punished.that's an order (=used to tell someone that they must definitely do something): · You will report to me at eight o'clock in the morning -- and that's an order.give (somebody) an order: · I'm the one who gives the orders around here -- just remember that.order to do something: · General Bradley gave the order to advance.somebody's orders (=the orders someone has been given): · My orders are to take you to the airport and put you on the first plane to Paris.take orders from somebody (=obey someone): · I'm not taking orders from you!on somebody's orders (=because of someone's order): · On Stalin's orders, the target for the 5 year plan was raised once again.
a statement telling someone what they must do, usually giving them details of how they should do it: · Mr Patel's instructions are to phone him immediately if you get any news from the police.instructions to do something: · Scott has just received instructions to return to Washington.instructions on: · We were given instructions on what to do in an emergency.instructions that: · Mrs Edwards left instructions that in the event of her death the money was to be shared between her sons.follow/obey instructions: · If you'd followed my instructions carefully none of this would have happened.detailed instructions: · The boss won't be here tomorrow, but she's left you detailed instructions so you'll know exactly what to do.strict instructions: · Sometimes my mother visits me at work, although I have given her strict instructions not to do so.somebody's instructions (=instructions someone has been given): · My instructions were to give the package to him personally.
an official order by someone such as a king or a military officer which must be obeyed: · An officer stood on one of the tanks and began shouting commands through a loudspeaker.obey/disobey a command: · If any of the King's subjects refused to obey one of his commands, they were put to death.give the command to do something: · Admiral Collingwood gave the command to open fire.
an official order which is made by a powerful organization and has the effect of a law: · Article 10 of the directive requires all food to be clearly labelled.under a directive (=as a result of a directive): · Under an EC directive unleaded petrol must be made available throughout Britain.
an official order which has the effect of a law and is made by someone such as a king, queen, or military government: issue a decree (=send out a decree): · In 1637 the Emperor issued a decree ordering all foreigners to leave the country.by decree (=by making decrees): · The king dissolved parliament and ruled by decree.
to give orders in a rude, unpleasant way also order somebody about British if someone orders you around or orders you about , they keep telling you what to do in an annoying or unfair way, and they seem to enjoy it: · You won't get the best out of your staff by ordering them around like that.· I wish you'd stop ordering me about -- I'm not your servant you know.
to order someone to do things in a rude, impatient, and often threatening way: · I'm sick and tired of being pushed around by him.· You shouldn't let other people push you around -- you've got to stand up for yourself.
also boss somebody about British to keep giving someone orders in an annoying way, even though you have no authority to do so: · My brother's always bossing me around and making me clean up after him.· She's a strong-minded woman -- she doesn't let anyone boss her around.
to tell people what they should do in an annoying way because you enjoy giving orders and think that you are always right: · If Bob starts laying down the law, just tell him to shut up.
to use your position of authority to tell other people what to do, in an unreasonable way: · She likes to throw her weight around -- it makes her feel important.· Why is everyone so upset? Has George been throwing his weight around again?
enjoying telling people what to do always telling people what to do, especially when you have no authority to do so: · She found Molly to be bossy and interfering.· "You can't wear that hat," said Monica in her usual bossy voice.
someone who is dictatorial uses their power in an unreasonable way by always telling people what to do or what is correct, and ignoring their wishes or views: · His attitude has become increasingly dictatorial.· The Ministry of Trade was yesterday accused of being dictatorial in its plans for a new motorway in Kent.
someone who is officious , especially an unimportant official, is too eager to tell people what they must do and pays too much attention to unimportant rules: · The people at the tax department were very officious, and kept everyone waiting for hours while they checked their papers.· I got held up by an officious receptionist who wouldn't let me in until I'd answered all her questions.
someone who is overbearing has an unpleasant and threatening manner, as if they want to control you and expect to be obeyed, and refuses to listen to other people's opinions and arguments: · The manager can be very overbearing at times, and it's difficult to argue with him.· His wife felt stifled in the presence of her overbearing mother-in-law.
to advise someone to tell someone what you think they should do, especially when you have more knowledge or experience than they have: advise somebody to do something: · I advise you to think very carefully before making any decision.· All US citizens in the area have been advised to return home.advise somebody against doing something (=advise them not to do it): · Her lawyers have advised her against saying anything to the newspapers.advise somebody on/about something: · Your teacher will be able to advise you about what qualifications you will need.strongly advise: · I strongly advise you to get medical insurance if you're going skiing.advise caution/restraint/patience etc: · Health experts advise extreme caution when handling these materials.
to tell someone what you think they should do, especially when this is your own personal opinion and not the result of particular information or knowledge: · My friends keep saying I ought to learn to drive.· Her mother said she should call the police immediately.· They say you should drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
to tell someone that you think they should do something, especially in order to avoid problems: tell somebody to do something: · I told him to go and see a doctor if he was worried.tell somebody (that) they should do something: · Jimmy has told him he should keep away from the gang for the next couple of weeks.
to tell someone your ideas about what they should do, where they should go etc: · "Why not ask Dad?" he suggested.· I'm not sure which is the best wine to order. What would you suggest?suggest (that): · Sarah suggested that I should apply for this job.
to advise someone to do something, especially when you have special knowledge of a particular subject or situation: · The Forsyth Report recommended stricter supervision of the trade in live animals.· Ask your tour guide to recommend the best places to eat.recommend that: · Doctors recommend that all children be immunized against polio and tuberculosis.recommend doing something: · I would always recommend buying a good quality bicycle rather than a cheap one.strongly recommend: · I strongly recommend that you get your brakes checked before you go on a long drive.
to strongly advise someone to do something because you think it is very important: · The company's bosses are urging full cooperation with the trade union.urge somebody to do something: · Police are urging drivers not to come into London this weekend.urge that: · He gave copies of the report to all those present at the meeting, urging that they read and digest its contents.
to advise someone about a problem or subject, especially something that they have asked you about: · I'm afraid that's the only advice I can give you.give advice to somebody: · The centre gives free advice to young people who have drug problems.give somebody advice: · Can you give me some advice? I'm thinking of buying a computer.give advice on/about: · Ask your bank to give you some advice about special student packages.
to describe someone or something to talk or write about a person, place, event etc, saying what they are like and giving details about them: · Could you try and describe the man you saw?· In her book, she describes her journey across the Sahara.describe somebody/something as: · Police described the attack as particularly violent.describe somebody/something to somebody: · I tried to describe the feeling to my doctor, but she didn't understand.describe how/what: · It's difficult to describe how I felt.
to describe someone or something, especially by giving details about what they look like: · King gave a detailed description of a dark-haired muscular man to police.· The brochure gives a general description of the island and some of the things you can do there.
to describe something that you have seen or experienced by talking to people about it: · Grandma always talks about the way they used to live on the farm.· You should talk about your problems with someone - maybe they can help you.
to describe a person, place, event, situation etc by writing about it: · Have the children write about what they did last summer.· Purcell wrote about his son's illness for a popular magazine.
spoken use this when you are asking someone to describe someone or something to you or when you are describing someone or something to them: · "I've just met Anna's new boyfriend." "What's he like?"· I'll try and explain to you what being in prison was like.
to describe something that happened, giving only the facts and not adding your own feelings or opinions: · Please give a brief account of your previous work experience.· The second witness gave a similar account of what happened.
written to describe an event, situation etc, especially as though it was a story, in order to make it sound more exciting or impressive: · Many of the prisoners have told of the terrible conditions they were kept in and how they were beaten.tell somebody of: · In the evenings Morris would tell us of his youth spent in Europe.
to have a bad effect · The drug can have a serious effect on the body's immune system.have a devastating/disastrous effect (=have an extremely bad effect) · The war is having a devastating effect on people's lives.
to have a bad effect on someone or something: · Late nights and lack of sleep can seriously affect your performance at work.· Rescue officials have gone to three villages badly affected by the earthquakes.
to have a bad effect on someone or something: · Changing schools too often can be bad for a child's social development.it's bad for somebody to do something: · I think it's bad for her to spend so much time worrying about him.
to have a serious and harmful effect on something or someone, especially after continuing for a long time: · Years of civil war and drought have taken their toll, and the population of the region is greatly reduced.take a toll/take its toll on: · Bad working conditions eventually take a toll on staff morale.
to have an important and permanent effect on something: · She was only here for a few months, but she certainly left her mark.leave a mark/leave its mark on: · The long dispute has left its mark on the mining industry.
to have a noticeable and often harmful effect on a person or on a situation: tell on: · The strain of living with her violent husband was telling on Judy.start/begin to tell: · The power of the mayor's cronies began to tell as the election drew closer.
to affect something in a way that harms it or makes it worse than it was before: · We need to be assured that the new development will not have a negative impact on the local environment.· Last year's attacks have continued to have a negative impact on the tourist industry this year.
to explain something to give someone the information they need to understand something: · It's not so complicated - let me explain.· We listened carefully while Pam explained the process.· Let me show you - it's too difficult to explain.explain something to somebody: · If you don't get the joke, I'll explain it to you later.· Could you explain the rules of the game to me, please?explain how/what/why etc: · Can you explain what the poem means?· The doctor explained how the clinic operates.
especially spoken to explain to someone how something works or how to do something: tell somebody how/what/why etc: · Can you tell me how to log on to the Internet?· The leaflet tells you what to do if you get malaria.
spoken to explain the reasons for something or give detailed information about something: · He didn't say where he was going or who he was going with.· Did Caroline say why she needed the tape recorder?
to explain to someone how to do something by doing it while they watch you: · "How do you change the speed of the drill?" "Let me show you."show somebody something: · I'll show you an easier way to get down from there.show somebody how to do something: · Can you show me how to use your camera?show somebody what to do: · If you show him what to do, I'm sure he'll do a good job.
to show someone how to do something by doing it while they watch you, especially when it is your job to show people how to do things: · The ski instructor began by demonstrating the correct way to turn.· If you still don't understand, Marcia will be happy to demonstrate.demonstrate how: · A trainer came in to demonstrate how the new computer system worked.
to explain all the details about something in the right order, to help someone understand it: · I'll go through the instructions once more in case you missed anything.· If you stay after class, I'll go through the theory with you again.
written to provide new information which makes something easier to understand, especially something which has been studied, but which is still not well understood: · These discoveries may shed light on the origins of the universe.· Scientists working in the Gobi desert have thrown new light on the life of dinosaurs.
to explain facts, arguments, reasons etc by stating them clearly and in a carefully planned order: set out something: · She set out the reasons for her resignation in a confidential letter to her boss.· The Republicans' goals for the year are clearly set out in the party platform.set something out: · The facts, as you have set them out, seem convincing enough.
to tell someone that they must not do something to say that someone must not do something, and stop them doing it. Not allow is more formal than not let: not let somebody do something: · My parents won't let me stay out after 11 o'clock.not allow somebody to do something: · The university does not allow athletes to work during the school year.not allow something: · Joan and Bill don't allow smoking in their house.
to tell someone that they should not do something, especially because it is dangerous or harmful: · My mother always told us not to talk to strangers.· His doctor told him not to drink any alcohol while he was taking the tablets.
formal to say clearly and strongly that someone should not do something: · Their religion forbids the eating of pork.forbid somebody to do something: · The management forbids employees to accept tips from customers.forbid somebody (from) doing something: · They were forbidden from entering the sacred chamber.
to tell someone that they cannot do something when they have asked for your permission to do it: · He wanted to use the car tonight but I said no.· She wanted to go to the conference but her boss said she couldn't take the day off from work.
to officially forbid something - use this about activities that are forbidden by law or agreement, especially because they are dangerous: · Many doctors now say that boxing should be banned.· a new international treaty banning all nuclear testsban somebody from (doing) something: · Relatives of the prisoners were banned from visiting them.
to forbid an activity by making it illegal: · International Law prohibits the use of chemical weapons.· The U.S. prohibited all flights to the country while the war was in progress.prohibit somebody from doing something: · Mexican law prohibits the clergy from teaching in universities and schools.
to completely forbid something by making it illegal: · Attempts to outlaw abortion have so far been unsuccessful.· Slavery was not officially outlawed in Australia until 1859.
if a government or organization blacklists someone, they keep a record of their name in order to forbid them doing a particular job or taking part in a particular activity: · Members of the Communist Party were blacklisted and had great difficulty finding work.· When she tried to get a loan she found she had been blacklisted.
to speak honestly to be honest in what you say: · He wouldn't believe that I was telling the truth.· When you testify in court, you have to swear to tell the truth.tell somebody the truth: · Tell me the truth - does this dress make me look fat?
spoken say this before giving your honest opinion, especially when your opinion may sound unkind or surprising: · To be honest, I don't really like babies.· I wish I'd never met him, to be quite honest.· To be honest with you, I never expected him to get the job.· In all honesty, I've got no idea where she's living now.
spoken you say to be frank or frankly before giving your honest opinion, especially when your opinion may sound unkind or shocking : · To be frank, George isn't very good at the job.· Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.· Well, frankly, I think this proves that there are a lot of people making laws in this country who don't really know what they're doing.
to be honest with someone, especially when they have asked you to give them the correct story, reason etc: · I promise I won't get angry. Just level with me and tell me what happened.· I'm going to level with you - some of the other managers don't think you're ready for a promotion.
to be honest and give someone all the facts about a situation, even if they are unpleasant: · I told her straight that she was wrong. · The people who report to me have to be willing to tell it like it is.
to say exactly what you think even if it offends people: · She believes in speaking her mind, which makes her very unpopular.· Larry isn't afraid to speak his mind, even in front of the boss.
to say what you think in a way that you know might offend other people: · Helmut didn't mince any words in his criticism of the department.
to say exactly what you think about someone or something, especially in a situation where other people would be more polite: · Why not call a spade a spade and say that she's incompetent, if that's what you're thinking.
to speak honestly about someone or something, especially when you are criticizing them, without thinking about their feelings: · Rollins pulled no punches in his memoir, especially when writing about the political system.
to know a fact or piece of information to know a fact or piece of information: · I love this painting - do you know the name of the artist?· Jack's leaving. Didn't you know?know (that): · I knew he was ill, but I didn't realize he had cancer.know how/what/where etc: · Do you know where Andy is?know about: · How much do you know about the Moore case?know of: · I know of one company where members of staff get their meals free.know a lot about: · He knew a lot about baseball, and about how to pick great players.
also realise British to know that a situation exists, and especially to know how important or serious it is: · None of us realized the danger we were in.· "She's been promoted to chief executive." "Oh, really? I didn't realize."realize (that): · I realize that you are very busy, but could I talk to you for a few minutes?realize how/what/why: · Even Horton's family hadn't realized how sick he was, both physically and emotionally.
formal to know or begin to realize that a situation exists, often a serious one: be/become aware of: · I am aware of the risks involved in the project, but I am willing to take them.· Children become aware of rules during this stage of development.be/become aware (that): · The question is, was the Chief of Police aware that so much corruption existed within the police department?well/acutely/keenly aware (=used to emphasize that someone definitely knows something): · There were signs everywhere - the two men must have been well aware that they were hunting out of season.painfully aware (=aware of something that upsets you): · Abbey was always painfully aware that she was not as pretty as her sister.
especially spoken to know that something is true because you can see signs that show this: · She's going to have a baby - couldn't you tell?can tell (that): · I could tell he worked outdoors, because he had a deep tan.can tell by/from: · You can tell by the look on her face that she's hiding something.can tell whether/what/how etc: · You can tell when kids aren't feeling well.· I couldn't tell exactly how old he was.from what I can tell...: · Don't worry. From what I can tell, you'll make a great father.
to understand how serious a situation or problem is: · I wonder if he really appreciates the seriousness of the situation.appreciate how/what/why: · Changes were taking place, though at the time no one fully appreciated how far-reaching these changes were to be.appreciate (that): · I appreciate that some of you have had to wait all night, and I thank you for your patience.
to know that a particular situation exists and to have it in your mind continuously: be conscious of: · I was very conscious of the fact that this was an important meeting and that I had to make a good impression.· As oil prices rose, countries in the West suddenly became conscious of fuel efficiency. be conscious (that): · He was conscious that she was staring at him as he spoke.
spoken use this to say that someone knows something, although they behave as if they do not: know perfectly well (that): · He knows perfectly well, he's not allowed to park outside the main door.· I knew perfectly well that I had anorexia, but I wouldn't admit that it was a problem.know perfectly well what/why/who etc: · You know perfectly well what I mean, so stop pretending you don't.
to know what is likely to happen in a particular situation, because you have learned from your own experiences: know/learn from experience (that): · He knew from experience that most ship's captains were not adequately covered with life insurance. know from past/personal/first-hand etc experience: · Kelly knew from personal experience that education is a ticket out of minimum-wage work.know from bitter experience (=know something because of a bad experience of something similar): · Sue learned from bitter experience not to rely on Martin in times of crisis.
to say or write something that is not true to deliberately tell someone something that is not true: · I looked at her face and just knew that she was lying.lie to: · Don't lie to me! I know where you were last night.lie about: · Movie stars always lie about their age.lie through your teeth (=to deliberately say something that is completely untrue, in a way that makes other people angry or upset): · "The witness was lying through his teeth," said Davis, "and should be charged with perjury."
to deliberately tell someone something that is not true: · The guy's always telling lies.· Are you accusing me of telling lies?· The boys tell lies to get each other into trouble.tell somebody a lie: · Of course it's true. I wouldn't tell you a lie.
British if someone, especially a child, tells tales , they tell lies about someone else, in order to make you believe that the other person has behaved badly: · Daisy Venables, you naughty girl, have you been telling tales again?tell tales on: · According to the children, telling tales on each other was as bad as cheating.
also tell porkies British informal to tell lies, especially ones that are not very important - used especially by children: · Now, Martin, you mustn't tell fibs.· His mother says that he sometimes tells fibs.
to tell a lie - especially one that is not very important: · When she asked if they wanted to stay for tea, Larry fibbed and said they had a few errands to run.fib about: · He fibbed about his age.
especially British to not tell the whole truth about something - use this in a humorous way to say indirectly that someone is lying: · Don't you feel like you're being a bit economical with the truth here?· Leonard had, as he put it, been "economical with the truth" at times.
the crime of telling a lie in a court of law when you have promised to tell the truth: commit perjury: · Do you realise that by lying to the court you have committed perjury?charge somebody with perjury: · Both witnesses are accused of giving false evidence and will likely be charged with perjury.find somebody guilty of perjury: · Hall was found guilty of perjury and obstruction of justice.
to notice someone or something to realize that something is there or that something is happening, when you see it, hear it, or feel it: · "Julie's home." "Yes, I noticed her bicycle outside."· Do you notice anything different about my hair?notice (that): · As she was about to leave, she noticed that the kitchen window was open.· Dominic took a huge slice of cake, hoping no one would notice.· I noticed that he was rather quiet during dinner.notice how/when/where etc: · Did you notice what he was wearing?· She was worried that her boss would notice how long she had been gone.notice somebody doing something: · I was about to leave when I noticed someone coming up the driveway.
to know that something is true, because you notice signs that show you this: can see/can tell (that): · We could tell that she had been crying.· I can see you're not really enjoying this.
spoken say this to mention something that you have noticed: I see (that): · I see that the new De Niro movie is playing this weekend.· I see you've been working out.
to see something or someone that is difficult to notice, or something or someone that no one else notices: · I'm glad you spotted the mistake before it was too late.· If you spot Mom and Dad coming, warn me.· I dropped my keys in the grass, but luckily Jim spotted them.spot somebody doing something: · Police finally caught up with Serrano when he was spotted eating in an Upper East Side restaurant.difficult/easy to spot: · She won't be difficult to spot -- she's got pink hair and weighs about 300 pounds.
to gradually begin to notice something: become aware/conscious (that): · I slowly became aware that I was the only woman in the bar.· He became conscious that everyone in the room had suddenly gotten quiet.become aware/conscious of: · It wasn't until after the game that he became aware of the bruises on his legs.· She became conscious of a growing amount of hostility between them.
if something or someone catches your eye , you notice them and like them because they are interesting, attractive, or unusual: · I was walking through the market when a beautiful dress caught my eye.· Wright caught the eye of filmmaker Spike Lee, who featured him in a jeans commercial.
to notice something that is difficult to see, hear etc, especially because it is very small, faint, or unclear: · Marlowe detected a faint smell of perfume as he entered the room.· She wasn't moving or responding, but he detected a slow heartbeat.· Do I detect a note of sarcasm in your voice?· The system is so sensitive that it can detect changes in temperature as small as 0.003 of a degree.
to notice a fact or detail and remember it, because it tells you something about a person or because it might be useful to you in the future: · I noted her habit of looking at the floor whenever I asked her a question.note how/when etc: · He chatted to her, noting how her face reddened every time Ian's name was mentioned.note that: · Note that the compound is more stable at high temperatures.could/can not help but note that: · I couldn't help but note that Jenny doesn't phone or call around to see you anymore.it should be noted that: · It should be noted that the witness did not recognize the defendant.
formal to notice something as a result of watching or studying it closely: · I didn't observe anything out of the ordinary about her behaviour that day.observe that: · Psychologists observed that the mice became more aggressive when they were put in smaller cages.
formal to notice something, especially something that is difficult to notice: · Although Jane thought her father seemed anxious and uneasy, Susan did not perceive any change in his looks or ways.perceive (that): · The prime minister will only resign if he perceives there is no other way out of the crisis.· If they perceive that a military challenge threatens their country's interests, they will not hesitate to fight.
very easy to notice or understand something that is obvious is very easy to notice or understand: · There is an obvious connection between the two murders.· "Why is she leaving?" "Well, it's obvious, isn't it?"it is obvious that: · It's obvious that something is wrong.· It was obvious from the start that my parents disliked Nancy.it is obvious to somebody: · It should be obvious to everyone that we need to make some changes.for obvious reasons (=when the reasons are so obvious that you do not need to say what they are): · For obvious reasons, we've had to cancel tonight's performance.
if it is clear that something is true, it is easy to notice that it is true and you feel sure about it and have no doubts: it is clear that: · It was clear that Lesley was very upset by what had happened.it is clear to somebody: · It was clear to me that my father was dying.it becomes clear: · It soon became clear that there were not enough police officers to deal with the situation.· It became clear after talking to him that Andrew wasn't going to cooperate.clear evidence/example/sign etc: · There is clear evidence that certain diets reduce your chances of getting cancer.· clear signs of an economic recovery
use this to emphasize that it is easy to see that something is true: · We're obviously going to need more help.· Clearly, the situation is more complicated than we first thought.· The children were clearly upset.· Obviously, this guy's a complete fraud.· The language of the article clearly reveals the author's bias.
to know that something must be true because you can see signs that show this: can tell (that): · I can tell that Mark isn't happy here.· Even though it was dark, she could tell it was him.can tell if: · I can't tell if this is dirty or not. Can you?can tell by: · I could tell by the way she walked that her knee was still bothering her.
if it is easy to see that something is true, it is very easy for anyone to notice or understand that fact: it is easy to see (that): · It's easy to see that he isn't well.· It was easy to see that Minna was embarrassed by her father's behaviour.it is easy to see how/why/what: · It's easy to see why this place is so popular.
a noticeable difference, change, improvement etc is easy to notice: noticeable change: · The most noticeable change was in my younger brother, who had grown quite a bit and was now a third-grader.noticeable improvement: · There has been a noticeable improvement in Jeremy's behaviour lately.barely/hardly/scarcely noticeable (=almost not noticeable): · Stop worrying about your pimples; they're barely noticeable.it is noticeable that: · It was quite noticeable that everyone had been invited except for Gail.
formal a perceptible difference, change, improvement etc can be noticed even though it is small: · The influence of Sartre is perceptible in Hogan's novel.perceptible change: · According to Reynolds, there has been a slight but perceptible change in public attitude lately.barely/scarcely/hardly perceptible (=almost not perceptible): · His lips curved in a barely perceptible smile.· When he asked if she wanted something to eat, she gave a barely perceptible nod.
a distinct or definite possibility, feeling, quality etc is noticeable and cannot be ignored: distinct/definite possibility: · A civil war is a distinct possibility.· Food shortages are so severe that mass starvation is a definite possibility.distinct advantage: · Trigg's height should give him a distinct advantage in his match against Robinson.distinct impression: · I had the distinct impression that Rachel was displeased.
obvious - used formally or in literature: · Even at the age of eight his musical talent was apparent.for no apparent reason (=without a clear reason): · Suddenly, and for no apparent reason, he turned his back and walked away.it is evident (from something) that: · From the look on Jill's face, it was evident that the news came as a complete shock.it became apparent/evident that: · It became evident that Lena wasn't going to be able to handle the project on her own.· After a few months, it became apparent that Vicky did not have a genuine interest in her job.
something or someone that is conspicuous is very easy to notice, because they are different from everything or everyone else around them: · Cuzco's few tourists are conspicuous as they explore the old cobbled streets.· Downtown business owners say they want the city's homeless shelter moved to a less conspicuous location.
not able to be predicted informal to be unable to say or predict what will happen: can't say/tell how/what/whether: · The doctors can't say whether he will recover at this stage.· I don't know if we'll stay together or not. I can't tell how I'll be feeling in a month's time.
something that is unpredictable is impossible to predict because the situation changes a lot and has no regular pattern: · Britain is well known for its unpredictable weather.· Mayoral elections are usually unpredictable, highly dependent on the particular appeal of personalities and the ability to form coalitions.highly unpredictable: · The situation in the region's poorest country remains volatile and highly unpredictable.
a situation or event, especially a bad one, that is unforeseeable could not have been predicted because it is the result of unusually bad luck: · What happened the following weekend was as unforeseeable as a plane falling on your house.· The circumstances which combined to cause this accident were unforeseeable.
use this to show that you are unable or unwilling to say what will happen, and so people have to wait and see: · "What is your next film going to be about?" "Well, that remains to be seen."· What remains to be seen now is whether it is too late to save the rainforests.it remains to be seen how/when/if etc: · It remains to be seen how many senior citizens will actually benefit from this new plan.
to recognize someone or something also recognise British to know who someone is or what something is, especially because you have seen them before: · Lisa! I'm sorry -- I didn't recognize you -- you've had your hair cut!· I can't remember how the tune goes but I'll recognize it when I hear it.· That security guy never recognizes me. I always have to show him my ID.· They recognised my Michigan accent right away.recognize somebody from something: · I recognized her from the movies, but she was much taller than I expected.· I recognize you from somewhere -- don't you work at the bank?recognize somebody/something as something: · The waiter recognized one of his customers as someone he went to school with.· She recognised the voice on the phone as Tim's, but he sounded strange.
to recognize someone or something, especially when you have not seen them for some time or when they have changed a lot: · Would you know him if you saw him again?· The town has changed so much you wouldn't know the place.· You'll know him when you see him. He has red curly hair and is very tall and thin.
to recognize and name someone who has done something illegal or someone who has died: · The airline says it will be difficult to identify all the bodies retrieved from the crash.· Police hope that a member of the public will be able to identify a man seen acting suspiciously a few hours before the murder took place. · Dubois was identified by immigration control, and arrested at Kennedy airport.· proposals to identify the fathers of children born to single mothersidentify somebody as something: · Sara identified the man as Kang, a notorious gang leader and drug baron.· The girl, identified as Shelly Barnes, fell from the window when her mother's back was turned.
to recognize someone or something out of a group of things or people: pick out somebody/something: · Both men were picked out from an identity parade by witnesses. · It was hard to pick out faces he knew in the crowd.· Are there any questions that can help pick out a drug addict?pick somebody/something out: · I was listening for Steve's voice, but it wasn't easy to pick it out among all the others.
to be able to recognize someone or something, especially when this is not easy: · "What colour was the car?" "I couldn't tell in the dark."tell (that): · You look different in the photograph, although I can tell it's you.tell who/what etc: · There's someone on the phone for you. I can't tell who it is.· "Can you tell what this is with your eyes shut?" "It tastes of strawberry, but I'm not sure."tell the difference between somebody/something: · I find it really difficult to tell the difference between Frank and his brother.· If we don't use labelling, how can consumers tell the difference between organic and non-organic foods?tell something from something else (=to be able to recognize the difference between them): · It's a very good fake. You couldn't tell it from the real thing.· My kids have plenty of friends, and to be honest I can't tell one from another.tell two things apart (=to be able to recognize that they are different in some way): · Male ducks are easy to tell apart in the breeding season.· At the moment, we can only tell the twins apart by looking at their name tags.
exactly like someone or something · They were both wearing the same shoes.· We've opened up stores in the UK and we hope to do the same in the rest of Europe.· "We always get up late on Saturdays." "It's the same in our house."look/sound/taste etc the same · The houses on the street all look the same.just the same/exactly the same (=not different in any way) · I tried three different types of wine, but they all tasted exactly the same to me.all the same · Take whichever you like - they're all the same.the same ... as · They were doing the same jobs as the men, but being paid less.
if someone or something is just like or exactly like someone or something else, there is very little difference between them: · You're just like my teacher.· There are insects that look exactly like green leaves.· This song sounds exactly like that one by The Beatles.be just/exactly like doing something: · We had often talked about emigrating to Australia. Suzie came from Melbourne, so it would be just like going home for her.
identical things are exactly the same in every way: · To me the two patterns looked identical.identical to: · The picture is identical to the one in the museum of Modern Art in New York.identical in size/colour/shape etc: · The tablets were identical in size, shape, and colour.
if you can't tell the difference between two people or things, or if you can't tell them apart , they look, sound, or seem exactly the same to you: · Emma and Louise sound so alike on the phone, I can't tell the difference.· They are identical twins and it's impossible to tell them apart.· These rap bands all sound the same to me -- I can't tell them apart.can't tell the difference between: · Don't let her help you with the gardening -- she can't tell the difference between a weed and a strawberry plant!
two people or things that are indistinguishable are so similar that it is impossible to know which is which or to see any differences between them: · In the storm the sky and sea were indistinguishable.· It was claimed that Russian and American defence policies were indistinguishable.indistinguishable from: · He tasted the cheaper wine and found it indistinguishable from a superior one.
use this especially when you expect something or someone to be different from another thing or person, but in fact they are the same: · People often think that movie stars are special in some way, but really they're no different from anybody else.· Life on the island is no different from life on the mainland.
if one thing matches another or if two things match , they look the same or have the same qualities or characteristics: · You can't go out wearing socks that don't match.· Their performance in government didn't quite match their election promises.
if you repeat or copy something word for word , you do it using exactly the same words: · Janice repeated word for word what Harold had told her.· It appears that someone has copied your essay word for word.
to not tell other people about a secret to not tell someone about something: · I told you not to tell anyone!· 'Who's that letter from?' 'I'm not telling you.'not tell somebody what/how/why etc: · Henry wouldn't tell me what the surprise was.· Penny laughed, but she wouldn't tell me why.not tell about: · Vinny didn't tell the police about his visit to Mahoney's apartment.· You'd better not tell Elizabeth about this.not tell of: · Margaret had not yet told her sons of her planned engagement.not tell (that): · Carl felt I'd been deceiving him all these years by not telling him I was gay.without telling somebody: · I was annoyed that he'd left without telling me.
to not tell other people something, because you want it to remain secret: · They wanted to keep their relationship secret for as long as possible.· The graves were covered up in a deliberate attempt to keep the killings secret.· So you've been keeping it secret all this time?keep sth secret from: · Mary kept her illness secret, even from family members.
someone who can keep a secret will not tell your secrets to other people, so you can trust them with secret information: · Can you keep a secret?· 'Can I trust you?' 'I'm honest, and I can keep a secret'.
to deliberately not talk about something in public, especially something you are ashamed or embarrassed about: · Parotti had threatened to expose the illegal arrangements unless he was paid $50,000 to keep quiet. · Some people disagree with what the government is doing, but they keep quiet for fear of reprisals.keep quiet about: · We used to keep quiet about some of the things that went on in the prison.keep quiet over: · I think they should have kept quiet over that.keep something quiet (=keep something secret): · The minister denied that the case had been kept quiet or hidden.keep somebody quiet (=do something to stop someone telling a secret): · She'd been brutally murdered to keep her quiet.
to deliberately not tell someone about something, especially because you think they would be upset if they knew the truth: · Edward never told anyone about his illness. He even tried to keep it from his wife.· The president has a reputation for keeping key decisions from even his closest aides.· She tried in every way to keep the truth from her parents.
to not allow people to know about something that has been officially planned or decided: be kept under wraps: · It's been suggested the report was kept under wraps to avoid controversy.· Ford's new range of cars is being kept firmly under wraps until the Geneva auto show.
the ability to judge when you should or should not tell people things that you know about someone or something: · Absolute discretion is required from everyone working for the Royal Family.leave something to somebody's discretion: · I leave it to your discretion as to whether you should tell your colleagues.show/exercise discretion: · TV commentators have shown great discretion, glossing over the problems in her personal life. · Can junior managers be trusted to exercise discretion when making decisions?be the (very) soul of discretion (=be the sort of person who will never tell something that should be kept secret): · You can tell Martin anything -- he's the very soul of discretion.
when what someone does or says is kept very secret, so that only a few people know about it: · There is a great deal of secrecy within the organization.· Why all the secrecy? You've got nothing to be ashamed of.utmost secrecy: · Our commanding officer emphasized the need to maintain the utmost secrecy about the operation at all times.swear somebody to secrecy (=make someone promise that they will not tell other people a secret): · Anna swore me to secrecy on the subject of her family until her book came out.a veil/shroud/cloak of secrecy: · The gunmen tracked down their target, despite the shroud of secrecy surrounding his whereabouts.
the trust that exists between people who share secrets, especially between a professional person such as a doctor or lawyer and someone who gives them private advice: · Alexander declined to comment, citing attorney--client confidentiality.· Researchers should always be able to guarantee complete confidentiality for their subjects.· Data encryption ensures the privacy and confidentiality of email messages.breach/violate confidentiality (=to break confidentiality by telling someone a secret): · The health clinic has again been caught violating patient confidentiality.breach of confidentiality: · You doctor should not have told your parents about the abortion -- that was a blatant breach of confidentiality.
when something shows that something else is true to prove that something is true: · Her nervousness is shown by a tendency to laugh a lot in public.show (somebody) how/what/why etc: · It cost $5000 to repair the car -- that shows how bad the damage was!· It shows you what they think of their customers, if they can't even be bothered to answer your letter!show something/somebody to do something: · Caffeine has been shown to have a good effect on mental performance.show (that): · The evidence shows that this area was probably the site of a Roman settlement.· The polls clearly show that the voters are dissatisfied with the present government.it (just) goes to show (=use to emphasize that something proves that what you are saying is true): · It just goes to show that we can all learn from experience, whether we're 8 or 80.
if an event or action is a sign of something else, it is one of the things that shows that something is probably true: be a sign of: · The public opposition to the airport is a sign of how much people's attitudes have changed.· A cluttered desk is a sign of a creative mind.be a sign that: · When a dog wags his tail, it's a sign that he's happy.be a sure/clear sign: · My mother pursed her lips, a sure sign of displeasure.take/view/see something as a sign that (=decide that it shows something): · When she didn't return my calls, I took it as a sign that she just wasn't interested.
formal to show very clearly that something is true - use this especially in official or technical contexts: · His commitment to the company is demonstrated by his work on the project.demonstrate how/why/whether etc: · Here are some examples that demonstrate how badly some students write their resumés.· The assessment center gives each applicant the opportunity to demonstrate whether they are suited to the work.demonstrate that: · I'm afraid this whole episode demonstrates that we have become less compassionate as a society. demonstrate (something) to somebody: · You've got to be able to demonstrate to people that the union can help in these cases.
if an event or action means something, you can guess from it that something has happened or is true: · Cloudy water from the taps usually means problems with your storage tank.· A free economy does not mean the absence of any economic control. mean (that): · This sort of behaviour means that the child is definitely unhappy.· If A is false, does that also mean proposition B is false?must mean: · Her car's not there, so that must mean she's gone to pick him up.
to show very clearly that something is true: make it clear (that): · This new evidence makes it clear that Rourke was acting independently of the others.make it clear what/why/how etc: · The look in her eyes made it clear what she meant.make clear something: · The Unabomber's diary makes clear his loathing and contempt for society.
if something reflects a situation or fact, it is a result of that situation or fact and shows clearly that the situation or fact exists: · The three-year guarantee reflects the company's confidence in the quality of its products.· His fair, freckled skin and blue eyes reflect his Irish heritage.· This poll reflects what the Republicans of California are sensing. be reflected in: · The culture of a nation is always reflected in its language.
to be an example which shows that a fact is true or that a situation exists: · As this story illustrates, some stars have become as bored as audiences by Hollywood extravagance.· This point can be illustrated by two brief examples.illustrate how/why/what: · The experiment illustrates how careful you have to be when interpreting results.
if a situation, detail etc tells you something, it helps you to know, understand, or guess more about something: · What does this tell us about the experience of young immigrants to this country?tell somebody how many/much etc: · Unfortunately, the photographs can tell us very little about the potential for life on Mars.tell somebody that: · The research told us that many drug addicts were returning to heroin up to three years after the treatment.
if a situation, detail, fact is evidence of a general situation, attitude, type of behaviour etc, it shows that it exists: be evidence of: · Changes in sexual laws in recent years are evidence of a gradual movement towards greater tolerance.be evidence that: · Journalists argue that being attacked by both sides is evidence that their coverage is fair.· This is clear evidence that the crime figures do not represent the true situation.
to show something that most people did not know or realize is true: · The way he spoke in the bar afterwards revealed prejudice and bitterness that I had never suspected.· Separate holidays and weekends apart reveal more clearly than any words the state of their marriage.reveal how/why/what etc: · The President's refusal to meet the press reveals just how serious the crisis is.· Positive tests have revealed why some athletes were so reluctant to co-operate.reveal that: · The fact that there are no black officers in the entire regiment reveals that the army is not serious about its anti-discrimination policies.
to tell someone off · She's always telling her kids off and shouting at them.tell sb off for · Did your Dad tell you off for getting home late?tell sb off about · The manager said my work wasn't good enough. He really told me off about it.get told off · I was always getting told off for things I hadn't done when I was a kid.
also give somebody a telling-off British to tell someone off, especially a child, to make it clear that you disapprove of something they have done: · Addicts don't stop what they're doing just because someone gives them a talking-to.· I remember being late for school and the teacher giving me such a telling-off.give somebody a good talking-to/telling-off: · You should give that child a good talking-to, if you want my opinion.
spoken to talk angrily to someone for a long time, especially in a way that they think is not necessary or fair: · He was lectured by the headmaster in front of the whole school.lecture somebody on/about something: · She's always lecturing me on bad manners.· After the violence on the field, the manager lectured the team about acceptable standards of behaviour.
especially American if a parent, teacher, or other adult scolds a child, they tell them off: · I dreaded the thought of going home and being scolded by my father.scold somebody for something: · Don't scold him for doing badly at school, he's doing his best.· Our parents were strict and we were frequently scolded for our bad behaviour.
to talk severely to someone in order to criticize them for doing something which they knew was wrong: · When the extent of the pollution became known, the company was publicly rebuked by the Governor.rebuke somebody for (doing) something: · Amnesty International rebuked the British government for its treatment of the refugees.· Welfare workers were sternly rebuked by the court for ignoring the woman's plea for help.
to officially tell someone that they have done something wrong or illegal, especially by warning them that if they do it again they will be punished: · After the trial two police officers were suspended from duty; four others were reprimanded.reprimand somebody for (doing) something: · The man was released after being officially reprimanded for illegal possession of a knife.reprimand somebody severely: · The foreman reprimanded the workers severely for not following safety procedures.
British to tell someone off for doing something that you do not approve of but that is not very bad: pull sb up for: · Our teachers are always pulling us up for wearing the wrong uniform.pull sb up on: · I felt I had to pull her up on her lateness.
spoken use this to tell someone that they have done something to annoy you and that you are going to tell them off about it: · I've got a bone to pick with you - what are all these lies you've been spreading about me?
to say what is true to say what really happened or what the true situation is: · Nobody believes me, even though I'm the only one telling the truth!tell somebody the truth: · You should have told him the truth.· Just tell me the truth - did he give you the letter or not?
someone who is truthful says what is true and does not tell lies: · Lucy's normally an extremely truthful little girl.truthful (with somebody) about: · I've always been truthful with him about my other boyfriends.
spoken say this when you want to be honest about something, even if it is something unpleasant that other people may not like: · To tell the truth I'll be glad when the kids are back at school.to tell you the truth: · I'm not really in the mood for going out. To tell you the truth, I'd rather stay in and watch TV.
to tell the truth about things that really happened and not invent things or give your opinions: · Witnesses were asked to stick to the facts and leave aside all emotion and sentiment.· "In my opinion, she was going to meet her lover." "Could you just stick to the facts, please."
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYnouns Mum told me the facts of life when I was twelve. He’s been known to tell fibs. She asked him flat out if he was seeing another woman. It’s time someone told him a few home truths. She insisted on telling me her whole life story. Oliver omitted to mention that he was married. Was he telling porkies again? And who, pray tell, is this? She tells one whopper after another.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
· He then told the story of how he was injured while riding his motorcycle.
· They sat around telling terrible jokes.
· I offered to tell her my secret if she didn’t tell anyone else.
· They told lies about us.
· ‘I’m telling you the truth,’ she persisted.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· Common sense tells me that I should get more sleep.
(=can recognize how two things are different)· I can’t really see the difference between these two colours.
Mum told me the facts of life when I was twelve. He’s been known to tell fibs. She asked him flat out if he was seeing another woman.· History shows that the usual response to violent protests is repression.
It’s time someone told him a few home truths.· Every instinct told her that he was telling the truth.
· The instructions say that you should take the tablets after meals.
(=repeat a funny story)· He was always telling jokes and making people laugh.
· The legend tells how the King of Troy offended Poseidon, the sea god.
· He got into trouble for telling a lie.
She insisted on telling me her whole life story.· Jack called him to tell him the good news.
Oliver omitted to mention that he was married. (also inform the police formal)· I think we should tell the police.
Was he telling porkies again? And who, pray tell, is this?· ‘It was a really tough decision,’ she told the press.
· Shall I tell you a secret?
(=signs that clearly show something bad)· She would not look at me directly, a tell-tale sign that she was embarrassed.
· Would you like me to tell you a story?
(also recount/relate a story formal)· I’d better tell you the whole story from the beginning.· He laughed as he recounted the story.
· He liked telling tales of his adventures in the wilderness.
· It’s better to tell the truth.
(also let somebody have your view)· We want you to tell us your views.
· Can you tell me the way to the nearest post office, please?
She tells one whopper after another.· How often had he told me a lie is always sinful and bad in itself.· But if there is no punishment, it is perfectly acceptable to tell lies.· As he crossed the stile into the first field, Mungo felt a pang of shame at telling Alice a lie.· In the process, it will inevitably begin to tell itself plausible lies.· Why hadn't she told a white lie and claimed she had a licence?· We can not tell a lie, so we confessed we were getting way too many.· How much of what you get told is lies?· For one thing, telling a lie is like eating peanuts.
· Then she hurried out to the kitchen to tell them all the news.· I ran down the hill to the home of a classmate and told her the news.· Baseball owners have been told that News Corp. alone was making the purchase.· She squealed her agreement and raced into the house to tell her brother the news.· I told the news desk they should send some one else, one of the junior reporters.· Our spies tells us the news director pressed the suspended Epstein for video footage, which he adamantly refused to provide.· Charity explained that she had decided not to tell Clarissa until the news about Charles was definite too.· Sitting on a red vinyl padded stool at the breakfast bar, she told us the sad news.
· That's the story they tell anyway.· There are other good stories to be told.· Not Virgil, especially not the Aeneid, where he has no story worth telling, no sense of personality.· A similar story was told by missions sent to study Mars.· Then, story telling by the fire.· As the story was told I was very gentle and self-effacing, and she was out to damage every-thing that she could.· If Sister doesn't get a move on, they could always content themselves with the shortest children's story ever told.· This might lead, in time, to duplication of some inexpensive books made from the stories people tell.
· Bigger waves undoubtedly occur, but those who witness them do not return to tell the tale.· It is difficult now to tell which tales are real and which apocryphal.· But here and there some found action on this very camp, and didn't live to tell the tale.· That way, at least, they would live to tell the tale.· Then I told about the tales the neighbours were telling about her Mum and her men friends.· What could have led the President to tell such tales?· All these are antisemitic texts, telling a tale of conspiracy only slightly more sophisticated than the Protocols.· Edwin was long on charm but short on substance, was the feeling; he told tales a bit too deftly.
· You have got to find out whether B is telling the truth or not.· Talk it over with her and let her tell you the truth.· Should he dare to tell her the truth?· Are the consequences of telling the truth too severe?· To tell you the truth, I wasn't looking forward to it.· Again the eyes looked at her sharply, and they saw she was telling the truth.· That's all I have to tell you about how to tell the truth.· To tell you the truth I was nervous going out there myself, too close to them ledges.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► I can tell you/I’m telling you► you can tell him/her etc from me► you never can tell/you can never tell► there’s no telling what/how etc► tell somebody where to go/where to get off► I’m not telling (you)► tell me another (one)► tell yourself somethingPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► a little bird told me (something)► say something/tell somebody something to their face► as/so far as I know/I can remember/I can tell/I can see etc► tell somebody flat► tell somebody’s fortune► I hate to say it, but .../I hate to tell you this, but ...► tell that to the Marines► I don’t mind admitting/telling you/saying etc► now you tell me!► don’t know/can’t tell etc which is which
1communicate something [transitive] if someone tells you something, they communicate information, a story, their feelings etc to youtell somebody (that)- As soon as she entered the room she knew that Clare had already been telling tales; or at least complaining to her colleagues.
- Edwin was long on charm but short on substance, was the feeling; he told tales a bit too deftly.
- I don't want to tell tales out of school.
- Nearly anyone who had been in an iron lung could tell tales of being stranded without breathing help.
- No child should be put in the powerful position of having to tell tales on another child.
- No one to tell tales, then.
- Of course, Albee is quite accustomed to telling tales about vicious people stuck in broken relationships.
- Craig MacTavish retired last season as the last player to compete without a helmet-17 years all told.
- He couldn't have bled a great deal, perhaps a cupful all told.
- He said the doctors all told him the injury was going to happen anyway.
- It's all told in a bouncy rhyme, with outrageously funny pictures.
- It will take four to six years, all told.
- Our 12-day tour, Rome to Sicily, cost us each about $ 1, 500, all told.
- They take eighteen hours all told, including the overnight soaking.
- After all, you have been telling the time for years, haven't you?
- Because it is inexpensive, burning incense-sticks to tell the time continued to be used down to the present century.
- But her hand was shaking so much that she could not tell the time.
- Functional rather than ostentatious, for telling the time rather than for telling others who he was.
- So your watch should tell the time accurately.
- The clock did a lot more besides telling the time of day.
- These star charts were provided to enable the deceased to tell the time of night or the date in the calendar.
- Time Be able to tell the time and understand times expressed in terms of 12- and 24-hour clocks.
- I tell you what, I'll make you dinner if you drive me to the store.
- I'm not sure how he did it, to tell you the truth.
- To tell you the truth, I can't stand Sandy's cooking.
- A bit like Mrs Riley, to tell the truth.
- But to tell the truth, for a long time I've been slightly lost as a dealer.
- Did people not trust me to tell the truth?
- He bathed a lot and never smelled even alive, to tell the truth.
- I don't know a great deal about flowers, to tell the truth.
- They must learn how to tell the truth and listen.
- We had a pretty good time I suppose, but to tell the truth I didn't feel like a party much.
- You want us to tell the truth?
- Tell me a little about yourself.
- Tell me about Thursday night. Did you visit Mrs Berry?
- Tell me Caroline, do you trust me?
- Tell me where you left the money.
- Tell me, do you think this dress matches theses shoes?
- Come in and tell me what the problem is.
- So tell me - what're you doing in Argentina?
- He told me I was too old to even be considered.
- It was Nina who told me otherwise.
- Look, will you tell me where you are?
- Nobody would dream of coming in uninvited, and telling me to put my cigarette out.
- She told me once that Spiritualists ate sweets during the service.
- She told me what she was looking for in the genealogy some kind of outlaw, I think.
- Then the nurse came to tell me that he wouldn't see me.
- They kept telling me that Dino and Bob and Leonardthey said, Those guys are killers, why are you protecting them?
- I could never work with a man like that and I told him so.
- I didn't like his mood. I told her so, but she just laughed.
- I was not disappointed. I told myself so, firmly, several times.
- I wouldn't have blamed him if he'd walked away and I told him so.
- There; I told you so.
- To sum up: I told you so.
- True it is that Ewan Beg thought he had killed his dallta - for I told him so.
- What matters is that we lived like writers, and that I told them so.
- Let me tell you something - if I catch you kids smoking, you'll be grounded for a whole year at least.
- "Is it going to rain tomorrow?" "I couldn't tell you."
- "So is Maggie really pregnant?" "I can't tell you."
- I can't tell you how grateful I am for your help.
- "We finally made it here." "Don't tell me - you couldn't find your keys."
- Don't tell me we're out of milk!
- Debbie tells me you're looking for a new job.
- He tells me calmly that he would like another bellini at the Hotel Excelsior on the Venice Lido.
- He always tells me what to see, what to read.
- He comes back and tells me his bus is forty two.
- Hindsight tells me that I was looking for trouble, but-at the time I knew nothing about it.
- Not in the violence, Tod tells me.
- Rachel tells me not to go to a gay therapist.
- She just calls me up and tells me how cool I am or whatever for an hour or something.
- Something tells me I won't be seeing her for a while either.
- "Wow, it's really hard working outside all day." "You're telling me!"
- "I'm totally sick of my boss." "Yeah, tell me about it."
- But I was pleased they had told me about it once.
- Can you tell me about it?
- Her father, Meir Ahronson, told me about it himself.
- I remember the day when they told me about it.
- She had had a rewarding session with the dressmaker and wanted to tell me about it.
- You got problems, man, you tell me about it.
- Well, that would be telling, as Barry Norman would say.
- But no one can blame Rush for telling it like it is.
- He tells it like it is.
- I try to tell it like it is.
- She tells it like it is, or seems to.
- All told, 28 people died and 100 were wounded.
- Craig MacTavish retired last season as the last player to compete without a helmet-17 years all told.
- He couldn't have bled a great deal, perhaps a cupful all told.
- He said the doctors all told him the injury was going to happen anyway.
- It's all told in a bouncy rhyme, with outrageously funny pictures.
- It will take four to six years, all told.
- Our 12-day tour, Rome to Sicily, cost us each about $ 1, 500, all told.
- There were about twenty of us, all told; mostly McHoans but with a smattering of civilians.
- They take eighteen hours all told, including the overnight soaking.
- "Did you give him the money?" "No, I told him where to get off."
- For one thing, telling a lie is like eating peanuts.
- However, telling lies to the police is assisting in the retention of stolen goods: Kanwar, above.
- No, I tell a lie.
- They fight viciously and tell lies to get each other into trouble.
- We can not tell a lie, so we confessed we were getting way too many.
- It probably loses something in the translation from the original Latin.
- But I think he's lovely, and you can tell a mile off that he likes you.
- He's a hawkeye, and can spot one a mile off, like that faraway kestrel.
- Our sportsdesk can spot from a mile off a person who can not tell an in-swinger from a bouncer.
- Birds have never been one of my major interests, I need hardly say.
- How I welcomed Night Duty, I need hardly say.
- I need hardly say how heartily I sympathize with the purposes of the Audubon Society.
- I need hardly say that I don't care to have things so.
- I need hardly say that my wife's first impression of Lewis differed somewhat from my own.
- Mr Bawn, I need hardly tell you, is a man of considerable dignity and I would not leave him here.
- Type 4 I need hardly say how glad I am.
- "Mum, Daniel's broken a plate." "Don't tell tales, dear."
- According to the children, telling tales on each other was as bad as cheating.
- Daisy Venables, you naughty girl, have you been telling tales again?
- Edwin was long on charm but short on substance, was the feeling; he told tales a bit too deftly.
- I don't want to tell tales out of school.
- Nearly anyone who had been in an iron lung could tell tales of being stranded without breathing help.
- No child should be put in the powerful position of having to tell tales on another child.
- No one to tell tales, then.
- Of course, Albee is quite accustomed to telling tales about vicious people stuck in broken relationships.
- Only time will tell if this agreement will bring a lasting peace.
- BProbably, but time will tell.
- Only time will tell if this is a serious effort at improving both public sector accountability and overall performance.
- Only time will tell whether it can hold its place in this competitive field.
- That is the real test of leadership, and only time will tell.
- The expert answers by saying that the story is very important and only time will tell about the future.
- Whether that was worth the price of the fare, only time will tell.
- Whether the Order will continue to grow, only time will tell.
- A bit like Mrs Riley, to tell the truth.
- But to tell the truth, for a long time I've been slightly lost as a dealer.
- Did people not trust me to tell the truth?
- He bathed a lot and never smelled even alive, to tell the truth.
- I don't know a great deal about flowers, to tell the truth.
- They must learn how to tell the truth and listen.
- We had a pretty good time I suppose, but to tell the truth I didn't feel like a party much.
- You want us to tell the truth?
- After all, I am not so different from anyone else, if the truth be known.
- He could never, if the truth were told, stand against his wife.
- He looked lonely, if the truth were told.
- I bet they did it worse than us if the truth was known.
- I puzzle a lot, if the truth be known.
- I suppose if the truth was known, I was narked at being pushed around.
- Nearly thirteen and a half if the truth be known.
- You'd rather have a day out at York racecourse than at Headingley if truth were known, wouldn't you?
I wish someone had told me the meeting was canceled. The Chief of Police told reporters that two people were killed in the blast.tell somebody what/how/where/who etc Jack had to go, but he didn’t tell me why. I think you’d better tell me exactly what’s been going on around here.tell somebody about something No one had told them about the drug’s side effects. I’ll tell you all about it when I get back.tell somebody something Tell me your phone number again.tell (somebody) a story/joke/secret/lie She told us some funny stories about her sister. Sheppard was telling the truth.tell somebody straight (=tell someone the truth, even though it might upset them) Tell me straight, Adam. Just answer yes or no.► see thesaurus at explain, reveal → see Thesaurus box on 000000RegisterIn written English, people often prefer to say that another writer describes something, rather than using tell:· His book describes how the human brain has developed.2show something [transitive] to give information in ways other than talkingtell somebody how/what/where/who etc The light tells you when the machine is ready. The bear’s sense of smell tells it where prey is hiding.tell somebody about something What do these fossils tell us about climate change?3what somebody should do [transitive] to say that someone must do somethingtell somebody (not) to do something The teacher told the children to sit down quietly. I thought I told you not to touch anything!tell somebody (that) Bernice was told she had to work late this evening.tell somebody what/how etc Stop trying to tell me what to do all the time. Do as you are told (=obey me) and don’t ask questions.► see thesaurus at advise, order, recommend4know [intransitive, transitive not in progressive] to know something or be able to recognize something because of certain signs that show thiscan/can’t tell She might have been lying. Benjy couldn’t tell.tell (that) The moment Kramer walked in, I could tell that things were not going well.tell (something) a mile off (=know easily) You could tell a mile off that he was lying.tell when/how/whether/if etc It’s hard to tell how long the job will take.tell something by something/from something I could tell from his tone of voice that Ken was disappointed.5recognize difference [transitive not in progressive] to be able to see how one person or thing is different from anothertell something from something How can you tell a fake Vuitton handbag from the real thing? Can you tell the difference between sparkling wine and champagne? → tell6tell yourself something to persuade yourself that something is true: I keep telling myself there is nothing I could have done to save him.7warn [transitive usually in past tense] to warn someone that something bad might happentell somebody (that) I told you it was a waste of time talking to him.tell somebody (not) to do something My mother told me not to trust Robert.8tell somebody about bad behaviour [intransitive] informal to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone you know has done – used especially by children SYN tell on somebody: If you hit me, I’ll tell. → kiss-and-tell9tell tales British English to say something that is not true about someone else, in order to cause trouble for them – used especially about children: an unpopular boy, who was always telling tales on the other children → telltale210all told altogether, when everyone or everything has been counted: There must have been eight cars in the accident, all told.11affect [intransitive not in progressive] to have an effect on someone, especially a harmful onetell on somebody These late nights are really beginning to tell on him.12tell the time British English, tell time American English to be able to know what time it is by looking at a clockSPOKEN PHRASES13I/I’ll tell you what (also tell you what) a)used when you are suggesting or offering something: I tell you what – let’s have a picnic in the park. b)American English used in order to emphasize what you are really saying: I tell you what, I’m not looking forward to standing up in court tomorrow.14to tell (you) the truth used to emphasize that you are being very honest: I don’t really want to go out, to tell the truth.15I can tell you/I’m telling you used to emphasize that what you are saying is true even though it may be difficult to believe: I’m telling you, Sheila, I’ve never seen anything like it in my life.16tell me used before asking a question: Tell me, do you think this dress goes with these shoes? So tell me, how was it in Argentina?17I told you so used when you have warned someone about a possible danger that has now happened and they have ignored your warning: I suppose you’ve come to say ‘I told you so.’18I’ll tell you something/one thing/another thing (also let me tell you something/one thing/another thing) used to emphasize what you are saying: I’ll tell you one thing – you’ll never get me to vote for him. Let me tell you something – if I catch you kids smoking again, you’ll be grounded for a month at least.19you can tell him/her etc from me used to ask someone to tell another person something, when you are annoyed or determined: Well, you can tell him from me that I’m going to make a complaint.20I couldn’t tell you used to tell someone that you do not know the answer to their question: ‘How much would a rail ticket cost?’ ‘I couldn’t tell you; I always drive.’21I can’t tell you a)used to say that you cannot tell someone something because it is a secret: ‘Where are you taking me?’ ‘I can’t tell you; it would spoil the surprise.’ b)used to say that you cannot express your feelings or describe something properlytell how/why/what etc I can’t tell you how worried I’ve been.22don’t tell me used to interrupt someone because you know what they are going to say or because you want to guess – used especially when you are annoyed: ‘I’m sorry I’m late but ...’ ‘Don’t tell me – the car broke down again?’23somebody tells me (that) used to say what someone has told you: Mike tells me you’ve got a new job.24you’re telling me used to emphasize that you already know and agree with something that someone has just said: ‘He’s such a pain to live with.’ ‘You’re telling me!’25tell me about it used to say that you already know how bad something is, especially because you have experienced it yourself: ‘I’ve been so tired lately.’ ‘Yeah, tell me about it!’26you never can tell/you can never tell used to say that you cannot be certain about what will happen in the future: The boy might turn out to be a genius. You never can tell.27there’s no telling what/how etc used to say that it is impossible to know what has happened or what will happen next: There’s no telling what she’ll try next.28 that would be telling used to say that you cannot tell someone something because it is a secret29tell somebody where to go/where to get off used to tell someone angrily that what they have said is insulting or unfair: ‘Andy started criticizing the way I was dressed.’ ‘I hope you told him where to get off!’30tell it like it is American English to say exactly what you think or what is true, without hiding anything that might upset or offend people: Don always tells it like it is.31I’m not telling (you) used to say that you refuse to tell someone something: ‘Mum, what are you getting me for my birthday?’ ‘I’m not telling you – you’ll have to wait and see.’32tell me another (one) used when you do not believe what someone has told youGRAMMAR: Patterns with tell• In meaning 1, tell is transitive and must be followed by an object.• You tell someone something: · He told her the news.• You tell something to someone: · He told the news to his mother. ✗Don’t say: He told to his mother the news.• You tell someone about something: · He told me about his feelings. ✗Don’t say: He told about his feelings.• You tell someone to do something: · He told me to sit down.• You use tell someone (that) when reporting what someone said: · He told them that he was sorry.· She told me I could go. ✗Don’t say: He told that he was sorry.Grammar guide ‒ VERBSCOLLOCATIONSnounstell a story/tale· He then told the story of how he was injured while riding his motorcycle.tell a joke· They sat around telling terrible jokes.tell somebody a secret· I offered to tell her my secret if she didn’t tell anyone else.tell a lie· They told lies about us.tell the truth· ‘I’m telling you the truth,’ she persisted.THESAURUStell to give someone information by speaking or writing to them: · She wrote to tell me she was getting married.· Can you tell us where the nearest garage is?let somebody know especially spoken to tell someone something when you know more about it: · Let me know your new address as soon as you can.· Let us know what happens at the interview.pass a message on to somebody (also pass it on informal) to tell another person the information that has been told to you: · She’s with a client at the moment, but I’ll pass the message on to her.· If I get any news, I’ll pass it on.brief to give someone all the necessary information about a situation, so that they can do their work: · Police officers were briefed before going out to arrest the suspects.relate formal to tell someone about something that happened to you or to someone else: · One girl related a story about a friend who had accidentally become pregnant.recount formal to tell someone about a series of events: · The guide recounted the history of the castle, from the 1300s onwards.bring something to somebody’s attention to tell someone about something that they did not know about, but which they need to know about: · I wanted to bring the matter to your attention.· She was the first person to study the effects of pesticides, and to bring them to people’s attention.fill somebody in informal to tell someone about things that have happened recently, especially at work: · Can you fill Robert in on the progress we’ve made while he’s been on holiday?to officially tell someoneinform to officially tell someone about something: · Do you think we ought to inform the police?· Doctors should inform patients about the possible side effects of any drugs they prescribe.announce to tell people publicly and officially about something: · The university chancellor announced his resignation on Friday.· It was announced that the company had made a profit of $6 billion.report to officially tell someone about something that has happened: · She was able to report that the project was nearly finished.notify formal to tell someone officially about something that has happened or that is planned to happen: · Staff were notified several months in advance that they would be losing their jobs.tell against somebody phrasal verb British English formal to make someone less likely to succeed in achieving or winning something: I badly wanted the job, but knew that my age would probably tell against me.tell somebody/something apart phrasal verb if you can tell two people or things apart, you can see the difference between them, so that you do not confuse them SYN distinguish: It’s almost impossible to tell the twins apart.tell of somebody/something phrasal verb literary to describe an event or person: The poem tells of the deeds of a famous warrior.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say that a poem, story etc is about something rather than tells of something:· What's his latest poem about?tell somebody ↔ off phrasal verb if someone in authority tells you off, they speak to you angrily about something wrong that you have donebe/get told off Shelley was one of those kids who was always getting told off at school.tell somebody off for doing something My dad told me off for swearing.tell on somebody phrasal verb informal to tell someone in authority about something wrong that someone you know has done – used especially by children: Please don’t tell on me – my parents will kill me if they find out!