tell on
Run to mom
To tell on someone is to report their wrongdoing to an authority—a parent, teacher, or boss: I'm going to tell on you.
The phrase carries childish overtones, suggesting tattling rather than legitimate reporting.
Separately, something tells on you when it reveals the effects of strain or age: The long hours are starting to tell on her.
One who tells authorities
- tattletaleOne who informs on others
- ratRodent or informer
- squealShrill, piercing cry
- blabDivulge indiscreetly
talebearer · telltale · fink · stoolie · nark · informant · gossip · blabbermouth
Formal written findings
- notifyFormally communicate information
- tip-offAdvance secret warning
- alertWarning or watchfulness
- discloseReveal hidden information
reveal · divulge · leak · expose · testify · witness · communicate · rat out
Make something apparent
- revealMake something visible
- exposeMake known publicly
- manifestClearly apparent or displayed
- fatigueWeariness from prolonged exertion
strain · stress · age · wear · evidence · visible · apparent · signs
Insider who reports misconduct
- exposeMake known publicly
- reportFormal written findings
- disclosureAct of revealing information
- uncoverReveal what's hidden
leak · ethics · transparency · accountability · corruption · fraud · misconduct · wrongdoing
Violate a trust
- traitorOne who betrays allegiance
- backstabberDisloyal pretend ally
- double-crossTreacherous deception of partner
- disloyaltyBreach of allegiance
treachery · sellout · turncoat · Judas · betrayer · unfaithful · trust · confidence
snitch
One who tells authorities
- tattletaleOne who informs on others
- ratRodent or informer
- squealShrill, piercing cry
blab · talebearer · telltale · fink · stoolie · nark · informant · gossip · blabbermouth · squealer
report
Formal written findings
disclose · reveal · divulge · leak · expose · testify · witness · communicate · rat out · turn in
show
Make something apparent
fatigue · strain · stress · age · wear · evidence · visible · apparent · signs · effects
whistleblower
Insider who reports misconduct
- exposeMake known publicly
- reportFormal written findings
- disclosureAct of revealing information
uncover · leak · ethics · transparency · accountability · corruption · fraud · misconduct · wrongdoing · oversight
betray
Violate a trust
- traitorOne who betrays allegiance
- backstabberDisloyal pretend ally
- double-crossTreacherous deception of partner
disloyalty · treachery · sellout · turncoat · Judas · betrayer · unfaithful · trust · confidence · secret
tell onkeep secret
Not reveal information
keep quiet · cover up · protect · keep mum · conceal
tell oncover for
Protect by deceiving
shield · have someone's back · stand by · stick up for · defend
on, tell, told, telling, tells, retell, untold, retold, retelling