What does “To tell tales out of school.” mean?
"To tell tales out of school" means to reveal someone's secrets or private information that should not be shared, often referring to a person who is a gossip and talks too much.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I can't believe she told everyone about our private conversation. She really tells tales out of school.
Example
He's known for telling tales out of school. You can't trust him with any confidential information.
Example
I thought I could confide in her, but she ended up telling tales out of school. I won't make that mistake again
Is “To tell tales out of school.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To tell tales out of school.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “To tell tales out of school.” effectively in context?
You can use "To tell tales out of school" to describe someone who reveals secrets or private information that should not be shared. It emphasizes the idea of gossiping and talking too much. For example, if a friend spreads rumors about you, you might say, 'She's always telling tales out of school.'
- 1Friendship
I thought I could confide in her, but she ended up telling tales out of school. I won't make that mistake again.
- 2Trust
He's known for telling tales out of school. You can't trust him with any confidential information.
- 3Betrayal
I can't believe she told everyone about our private conversation. She really tells tales out of school.
Similar phrases to “To tell tales out of school.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To tell tales out of school.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To tell tales out of school" is unknown.
Is “To tell tales out of school.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "To tell tales out of school" is a common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who gossips or reveals secrets that should be kept private.
What tone does “To tell tales out of school.” have?
"To tell tales out of school" conveys a tone of disapproval and criticism. It is often used to express frustration or disappointment towards someone who cannot be trusted with sensitive information.
Can “To tell tales out of school.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "To tell tales out of school" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile proverb that describes the act of revealing secrets or private information. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She can't be trusted; she always tells tales out of school.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Stop telling tales out of school!' to express disapproval.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- gossip
- reveal secrets
- betray trust
- talk out of turn
- spread rumors
Antonyms
- keep a secret
- maintain confidentiality
- be discreet
- respect privacy
