tell on

Verb

tell on (third-person singular simple present tells on, present participle telling on, simple past and past participle told on)

1. To inform on; to tattle; to tell a person in authority that someone else has done something wrong; usually somewhat childish.

   My sister told on me when I didn't go to school.

   • Bible, 1 Sam. xxvii. 11

     Lest they should tell on us, saying, So did David.

2. To cause visible strain to.

   Years of drinking started to tell on his body.