The Open Dictionary

tell

verb

UK/tel/
US/tel/

Definitions of tell verb

speak

  1. A1Transitive

    to communicate information or instructions to someone using spoken words.

    • So, tell me about your vacation.

    • Could you please tell me how to get to the train station?

    • Did you tell anyone that you were coming to visit me?

know

  1. B2TransitiveIntransitive

    to be able to recognize, discern, or be certain about something.

    • "He is Dutch." "How can you tell?"

    • I could tell that you were not happy.

    • I can tell she's tired.

  2. B2Transitive

    If a situation or sign tells you something, it provides information about something.

    • What does this survey tell us about the lives of teenagers?

    • The report tells us some critical problems within the company.

    • The forecast tells us that it will rain tomorrow.

effect

  1. Intransitive

    to have a noticeable or negative effect.

    • She has been under a lot of stress lately, and it’s starting to tell on her health.

    • The long hours of sleep deprivation started to tell on his work performance.

    • Years of hard work started to tell on the building.

Phrases of tell verb

  • tell tales

    To report someone's misdeeds to a person in authority, such as a teacher or parent, typically used when a child is reporting another child's wrongdoings.

    • Lily is always telling tales to the teacher about other students talking in class.

  • there is no telling

    It is impossible to know or predict something.

    • The weather is so unstable; there is no telling if it will rain tomorrow.

  • you never can tell

    This phrase is used to indicate that something is impossible to know or predict with certainty.

    • The weather forecast says it will be sunny today, but you never can tell, it's best to bring an umbrella.

  • tell the time

    To have the ability to read and understand time displayed on a clock.

    • He taught his young son how to tell the time.

  • tell it like it is

    To express facts or truths directly and honestly, without any attempt to conceal or soften them.

    • He always tells it like it is, even if it means potentially offending someone.

  • tell the difference

    To be able to recognize or distinguish the differences between two or more things.

    • Although the two paintings are similar in style, the expert could tell the difference between them.

  • tell the truth

    To express what is true or factual; to be honest and sincere in one's communication.

    • In a court of law, a witness must tell the truth.

  • tell someone's fortune

    To predict or reveal what will happen to someone in the future, often through methods such as reading palms or using cards.

    • She went to get her fortune told, hoping to know if she would find a new job.

  • tell a lie/lies

    To make an untrue statement; to deliberately deceive by saying something that is not factual.

    • He told a lie because he was afraid of being scolded.

  • to tell (you) the truth

    Used to indicate that one is being honest or sincere in what they are about to say.

    • To tell you the truth, I'm not entirely sure if we can finish this project on time.

Idioms

  • Tell me another one!

    Used to express disbelief or skepticism towards what someone has just said.

    • "I'm telling you, I won the lottery." "Oh, tell me another one!"

  • You're telling me!

    An expression used to emphatically agree with a statement just made by another person.

    • "This problem is incredibly difficult." "You're telling me!"

  • tell me another one!

    Used to express disbelief at what someone has said.

    • "I met a celebrity yesterday!" "Oh, tell me another one, I don't believe it!"

  • (I) told you (so)!

    An expression used when something undesirable occurs after a previous warning, indicating 'I had told you this would happen'.

    • You didn't bring an umbrella, and now you're soaked? I told you so!

  • I'm telling you

    Used to emphasize the truthfulness of a statement and to encourage belief from the listener.

    • I'm telling you, this restaurant has the best food in the entire city.

  • (I'll) tell you what

    Used to introduce a suggestion, plan, or idea.

    • I'll tell you what, let’s park the car around the corner and walk from there.

  • tell me about it!

    An expression used to indicate that you strongly agree with or share the same experience as the person you are speaking to.

    • "This report is so difficult to write." "Tell me about it! I've been working on it for hours."

  • you're telling me!

    Used to express strong agreement with what someone has just said, often with a tone of "I know, right?" or "Exactly!"

    • "This weather is absolutely terrible." "You're telling me!"

Phrasal Verbs of tell

  • tell something/someone apart

    to distinguish between two things or people that are very similar

    • These twins look so alike that I can't tell them apart.

  • tell against someone/something

    to increase the likelihood of causing someone or something to be unsuccessful

    • His record of dishonesty told against him during the interview.

  • tell on someone

    to report someone's misconduct, particularly to someone who holds authority, often regarding something negative they have said or done

    • Xiaoming told the teacher that his classmate was cheating in class.

  • tell someone off

    to express anger to someone verbally for their wrongdoing

    • She told her child off for not coming home on time.