The spelling of the phrase "tells from" may seem simple but is a bit tricky to pronounce. The first word, "tells," is pronounced as /tɛlz/ with an emphasized "e" sound followed by a soft "l" and "z" pronounced as /z/. The second word, "from," is pronounced as /frʌm/ with an emphasis on the "o" sound and a soft "m" pronounced as /m/. Together, "tells from" is pronounced as /tɛlz frʌm/ and is used to indicate distinguishing between two things or people.
"Tells from" is a phrase primarily used in the context of poker and other forms of gambling to describe the subtle cues or indicators that a person displays, either consciously or unconsciously, that reveal information about their hand or their intentions during the game. These tells can include physical actions, such as body language, facial expressions, or hand movements, as well as verbal cues, tone of voice, or even a change in breathing pattern.
The term "tells from" implies that these cues can be observed or detected by the other players, allowing them to make educated guesses or decisions based on the information they gather from their opponents' behavior. For example, a player who subconsciously touches their nose or scratches their ear may be indicating nervousness or uncertainty, possibly suggesting a weak hand. Conversely, a player who fidgets less or sits up straighter may be signaling confidence or a strong hand.
The ability to accurately decipher or interpret tells from other players is a valuable skill in gambling, as it can help players make more informed decisions, such as whether to fold, raise, or call. However, it is also important to note that tells can also be intentionally misleading, as some skilled players may purposely display false cues or adopt deceptive behaviors to manipulate their opponents.
Overall, "tells from" refers to the subtle behavioral signals and gestures displayed by players during a game that may provide insight into their hand strength, emotions, or strategy, enabling observant players to gain a strategic advantage.
The term "tells from" is not a recognized compound word or idiomatic expression in English, so it does not have a specific etymology. "Tell" can be a verb meaning to communicate or reveal information, while "from" is a preposition indicating a starting point or source. However, when used together as "tells from", it does not form a standard phrase with a clear meaning.