The phrase "tell tales out of school" means to reveal secrets or share information that is not supposed to be shared. The spelling of the word "tales" is /teɪlz/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "a" pronounced as the long "a" sound /eɪ/. The phrase likely originated from the idea that students in a school setting might share things they should not with others outside the school, but it now applies to any situation where secrets or private information is disclosed.
Tell tales out of school is an idiomatic expression that means to reveal or disclose secret or confidential information, especially inappropriately or without authorization. This phrase originated from the concept of schoolchildren gossiping and spreading rumors, often divulging sensitive information about others. When someone tells tales out of school, they are essentially exposing private matters that should remain undisclosed, betraying trust or breaching confidentiality boundaries.
This idiom can also refer to sharing details, stories, or anecdotes about someone's personal life, professional affairs, or other private matters, without their consent or knowledge. It implies that the information being disclosed is not meant to be shared with others, and the act of revealing it goes against expected norms or societal codes of conduct.
Furthermore, telling tales out of school can have negative consequences, as it can damage relationships, create animosity or conflict, and even jeopardize the reputation or well-being of individuals involved. It suggests a lack of discretion, ethical judgment, or respect for boundaries. Therefore, it is generally considered impolite and inappropriate to tell tales out of school, as it violates the principles of trust, privacy, and confidentiality. It is crucial to respect personal boundaries and maintain confidentiality when entrusted with sensitive information.