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What is "tell on"

Wiktionary
tell on

vb. 1 To inform on; to tattle; to tell someone with authority that someone else has done something wrong; usually somewhat childish. 2 To cause visible strain to somebody or something.

WordNet
tell on

  1. v. give away information about somebody; "He told on his classmate who had cheated on the exam" [syn: denounce, betray, give away, rat, grass, shit, shop, snitch, stag]

  2. produce an affect or strain on somebody; "Each step told on his tired legs"

Usage examples of "tell on".

The perfect rest, the good food, the soft turf, and gentle exercise, soon began to tell on my condition and my spirits.

The heat was oppressive, and the lack of exercise was beginning to tell on him.