telltale
[ tel-teyl ]
/ ˈtɛlˌteɪl /
noun
adjective
that reveals or betrays what is not intended to be known: a telltale blush.
giving notice or warning of something, as a mechanical device.
OTHER WORDS FROM telltale
tell·tale·ly, adverbWords nearby telltale
teller,
teller, edward,
tellin,
telling,
telloh,
telltale,
tellurate,
tellurian,
telluric,
telluric acid,
telluride
British Dictionary definitions for tell tales
telltale
/ (ˈtɛlˌteɪl) /
noun
a person who tells tales about others
- an outward indication of something concealed
- (as modifier)a telltale paw mark
any of various indicators or recording devices used to monitor a process, machine, etc
nautical
- another word for dogvane
- one of a pair of light vanes mounted on the main shrouds of a sailing boat to indicate the apparent direction of the wind
Idioms and Phrases with tell tales
tell tales
Divulge secrets, as in Don't trust him; he's apt to tell tales. This expression was first recorded about 1350. A variant, tell tales out of school, first recorded in 1530, presumably alluded to schoolchildren gossiping but was soon broadened to revealing secret or private information. Both may be obsolescent.