tell against
Harm someone's case
To tell against someone or something is to count as evidence or argument unfavorable to them: His lack of experience told against him in the interview.
The phrase suggests factors that work to someone's disadvantage, often in evaluation or judgment: Her nervous demeanor told against her credibility as a witness.
evidence
Weaken by stealth
- disadvantageUnfavorable circumstance or condition
- prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
- damageHarm or impairment
- hurtCause or feel pain
harm · incriminate · implicate · compromise · jeopardize · sabotage · hinder · obstruct
undermine
Weaken by stealth
- disadvantageUnfavorable circumstance or condition
- prejudicePreformed unfavorable opinion
- damageHarm or impairment
hurt · harm · incriminate · implicate · compromise · jeopardize · sabotage · hinder · obstruct · impair