TELL TALES Meaning and
Definition
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The term "tell tales" is generally used in two different contexts, each with its own distinct meaning. In one sense, "tell tales" refers to a person who habitually reveals confidential or secret information about others, often with the intention of causing harm or creating conflict. This individual possesses a tendency to disclose sensitive details, sometimes embellishing them or exaggerating their significance. The act of "telling tales" can typically be associated with gossiping, spreading rumors, or indulging in malicious talk that may damage relationships or reputations.
On the other hand, "tell tales" can also describe a series of indicators or visual cues that provide insight into specific conditions, situations, or occurrences. In this context, "tell tales" are typically used in sailing or aviation to refer to small streamers or ribbons attached to a mast or wing, functioning as wind indicators. These indicators help to detect fluctuations in the wind direction or intensity, allowing the sailor or pilot to adjust and optimize their course of action accordingly.
In summary, the phrase "tell tales" encompasses two divergent definitions: one revolving around a person disclosing secret information to harm others, and the other pertaining to visual markers used to gauge wind patterns.
Common Misspellings for TELL TALES
- rell tales
- fell tales
- gell tales
- yell tales
- 6ell tales
- 5ell tales
- twll tales
- tsll tales
- tdll tales
- trll tales
- t4ll tales
- t3ll tales
- tekl tales
- tepl tales
- teol tales
- telk tales
- telp tales
- telo tales
- tell rales
- tell fales
Etymology of TELL TALES
The phrase "tell tales" comes from two Old English words, "tellan" and "tal".
The word "tellan" means "to count, reckon, tell a story", while "tal" means "a tally, an account, a story". These two words merged to form the expression "tell-tal", which originally referred to someone who told stories or gave accounts of events.
Over time, "tell-tales" came to be associated with people who revealed secrets or disclosed private information. Today, the phrase "tell tales" commonly refers to someone who divulges information that is meant to be kept confidential, or someone who reports on the misdeeds or actions of others.
Idioms with the word TELL TALES
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Never tell tales out of school.
The idiom "Never tell tales out of school" means that one should not reveal or gossip about private or confidential information or secrets, especially those that are shared within a specific group or organization. It implies the importance of discretion and loyalty in keeping sensitive information within a trusted circle.
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tell tales out of school
The idiom "tell tales out of school" means to disclose sensitive or confidential information that should not be shared, typically involving personal or private matters. It refers to revealing secrets or betraying someone's trust by divulging information that should remain within specific boundaries.
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tell tales
To tell tales means to talk about or reveal secrets or private information, often to someone who should not hear it. It can also refer to giving away information that could be damaging to someone else.
