Differences between cheat on and tell on
Cheat on means to be unfaithful to a romantic partner or to break the rules of a game or competition, whereas tell on means to inform someone in authority about someone else's wrongdoing or misbehavior.
Meanings and Definitions: cheat on vs tell on
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Cheat on
- 1Be sexually unfaithful.
She CHEATED ON me with my friend.
- 2Deceive or betray, often in a sexual and / or emotional context.
She thought he had always been faithful to her, but he had been CHEATING ON her ever since their wedding day (with one of the bridesmaids).
Tell on
- 1Report someone to an authority.
The pupil TOLD ON the others for cheating and the teacher failed them.
Usage Examples: cheat on, tell on in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
cheat on
Example
He decided to cheat on his girlfriend while she was away.
Example
She cheats on her husband when he is on business trips.
tell on
Example
If you don't stop making noise, I will tell on you to the teacher.
Example
She always tells on her classmates when they break the rules.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Cheat on
To have a romantic or sexual relationship with someone outside of a committed relationship.
Example
He was unfaithful to his wife by having an affair with his coworker.
play unfairly
To act dishonestly or unethically in a game or competition to gain an advantage over others.
Example
He played unfairly by hiding extra cards in his sleeve during the poker game.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Tell on
To inform someone in authority, such as the police or a supervisor, about someone else's wrongdoing or illegal activity.
Example
She reported the theft to the police and provided them with a description of the suspect.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “cheat”
Phrasal Verbs with “tell”
Phrasal Verbs with “on”
Differences in cheat on vs tell on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: cheat on or tell on?
In daily conversation, people use tell on more often than cheat on. This is because tell on is used in various situations, such as reporting a crime or telling a teacher about a classmate's misbehavior. On the other hand, cheat on is a more specific phrase that is mainly used when talking about infidelity. So, while both phrases are used, tell on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of cheat on and tell on
Cheat on and tell on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of cheat on and tell on
The tone of cheat on and tell on can differ based on context. Cheat on often carries a negative or judgmental tone when related to infidelity, while tell on typically has a neutral or even positive tone, especially when referring to reporting a crime or wrongdoing.
