Telltale Meaning
/ˈtɛlteɪl/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounOne who divulges private information with intent to hurt others.
nounAn indicator, such as a warning light, that serves to warn of a hazard or problem.
Sentence Examples
Nested dolls are a telltale Russian export.
The school telltale reported Tom to the principal for smoking behind the gym.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The red marks on his face were a ____ sign that he was embarrassed.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His red face was a ____ sign that he was feeling very embarrassed about the mistake he had just made today.
Word Origin & History
From tell + tale, perhaps dissimilated from earlier taleteller, from Middle English tale tellere (literally “tale teller”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Your husband is at hand; I heare his Trumpet, / We are not tell-tales, Madam; feare you not."
— c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i], page 183:
"There were some ill-natured people —tell-tales—it seemed, in Tamai; and hence there was a deal of mystery about getting up the dance."
— 1846, Herman Melville, Typee:
"Louis tells me that the gossip of the sailors finds its way aft, and that two of the telltales have been badly beaten by their mates."
— 1904, Jack London, The Sea-Wolf (Macmillan’s Standard Library), New York, N.Y.: Grosset & Dunlap, →OCLC:
"The Chinese girls who saw me yesterday are telltales. I'd better wait till dark."
— 2008, Fleur Yano, Collected Writings of Flora Belle Jan, page 112:
"Try to teach your child that there's a time to intervene and a time to mind your own business. Nobody loves a telltale."
— 2011, Elizabeth Grahamslaw, A Parents' Guide To Primary School:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The red marks on his face were a ____ sign that he was embarrassed.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
His red face was a ____ sign that he was feeling very embarrassed about the mistake he had just made today.