tell on
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s a joke with its own Wikipedia page, one economists tell on economists, about being stuck on a deserted island with a can of food and no way open it.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026
“Obviously, time is going to tell on this,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2025
"That is our biggest distributor so it is starting to tell on our counter as it becomes increasingly empty."
From BBC • May 17, 2025
The thing is, most people can’t help but tell on themselves.
From Salon • Feb. 12, 2025
Fortunately, the weather is so hot that she cannot get cold; but still the anxiety and the perpetually being wakened is beginning to tell on me, and I am getting nervous and wakeful myself.
From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker
