The phrase "told tales out of school" means revealing secrets or confidential information. The spelling of this phrase follows the usual English spelling conventions, with the exception of the word "told," which is pronounced as /toʊld/ (tohld) in IPA phonetic transcription, with the "o" sound being a long vowel. The phrase can be traced back to the early 19th century, and is still commonly used today to describe inappropriate disclosure of information.
The phrase "told tales out of school" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in English language. It refers to the act of disclosing confidential or sensitive information about a person or an organization to unauthorized individuals, typically revealing details that were not meant to be shared publicly. This phrase is derived from the idea that within school settings, students often share secrets or gossip amongst themselves, breaching trust and privacy.
In a broader sense, "told tales out of school" can also be interpreted as spreading rumors, divulging private matters, or engaging in indiscreet conversations that can potentially harm someone's reputation or cause disruption. This phrase implies a breach of trust, as it suggests that the information being shared was meant to be kept confidential, either out of respect for the people involved or for the sake of maintaining an appropriate level of professionalism.
The repercussions of telling tales out of school can be damaging both personally and professionally. It can lead to strained relationships, loss of trust, or even legal consequences if privileged information is disclosed. Therefore, it is generally considered unwise and unethical to engage in such behavior.
In summary, "told tales out of school" refers to the act of revealing confidential information or sharing rumors that were not intended to be disclosed. It emphasizes the importance of discretion, confidentiality, and trustworthiness in personal or professional relationships.