tell on
phrasal verb
told on; telling on; tells on
1
informal
: to tell someone in authority about the bad behavior or actions of (someone else)
Please don't tell on me.
2
: to have a noticeable effect on (someone or something)
The stress began to tell on her face/health.
Examples of tell on in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 1990, the von Bülow story was told on the big screen in Reversal of Fortune, which starred Glenn Close and Jeremy Irons and was produced by Edward R. Pressman and Oliver Stone.
—
Lynette Rice, Deadline, 23 July 2025
Playing the role has been a tremendous pleasure, all thanks to George — to be part of the first giant story told on film.
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025
In this latest rendition of a story that’s been told on the big screen numerous times, Superman grapples with his powers while trying to balance everyday life as journalist Clark Kent after being sent to Earth from his home planet Krypton.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
During the May 20 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the host was reminded of one of the more uncomfortable stories he’s told on his show.
—Staff Author, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell on
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Lynette Rice, Deadline, 23 July 2025
Playing the role has been a tremendous pleasure, all thanks to George — to be part of the first giant story told on film.
—Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 26 Apr. 2025
In this latest rendition of a story that’s been told on the big screen numerous times, Superman grapples with his powers while trying to balance everyday life as journalist Clark Kent after being sent to Earth from his home planet Krypton.
—Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025
During the May 20 episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the host was reminded of one of the more uncomfortable stories he’s told on his show.
—Staff Author, People.com, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for tell on
Cite this Entry
“Tell on.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tell%20on. Accessed 5 Aug. 2025.
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