'To tell on' definitions:
Definition of 'To tell on'
From: GCIDE
- Tell \Tell\, v. i.
- 1. To give an account; to make report. [1913 Webster]
- That I may publish with the voice of thankgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. --Ps. xxvi. 7. [1913 Webster]
- 2. To take effect; to produce a marked effect; as, every shot tells; every expression tells. [1913 Webster]
- To tell of. (a) To speak of; to mention; to narrate or describe. (b) To inform against; to disclose some fault of.
- To tell on, to inform against. [Archaic & Colloq.] [1913 Webster]
- Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David. --1 Sam. xxvii. 11. [1913 Webster]