communicates information, facts, or news to someone, reveals something about someone or something

tell it like it is, tell me about it, you can't tell a book by its cover

tell a lie, tell the truth, tell tales

Formal and Informal Expressions of tells

In different contexts, you can replace 'tells' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'inform, notify' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'spill the beans, let the cat out of the bag' is a commonplace synonym.

tells: Explore its Definition & Usage

tells Definition

1communicates information, facts, or news to someone
2reveals something about someone or something

Using tells: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tells" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She tells me everything that happens at work.
Example
The expression on his face tells me he's lying.
Example
Her smile tells me she's happy.
Example
The clock tells the time.

tells Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for tells

informs
advises
notifies
discloses
confides

Antonyms for tells

hides
conceals
withholds

Idioms Using tells

tell it like it is
to speak honestly and directly about a situation, even if it may be unpleasant or difficult to hear
Example
I appreciate that he always tells it like it is, even if I don't want to hear it.
tell me about it
used to express agreement with someone who has just described a difficult or frustrating situation
Example
A: I've been waiting in line for hours. B: Tell me about it.
you can't tell a book by its cover
you cannot judge the true character or value of something or someone just by looking at them
Example
I thought the movie would be terrible based on the trailer, but you can't tell a book by its cover.

Phrases with tells

tell a lie
to say something that is not true
Example
He told a lie about his age.
tell the truth
to say what is true
Example
You have to tell the truth in court.
tell tales
to report someone's wrongdoings to an authority figure
Example
He was always telling tales about his classmates.

📌

Summary: tells in Brief

The verb 'tells' [tɛlz] means to communicate information or reveal something. It can refer to spoken or nonverbal communication, as in 'Her smile tells me she's happy.' 'Tells' is often used in phrases like 'tell a lie' or idioms like 'tell it like it is,' meaning to speak honestly and directly. 'You can't tell a book by its cover' is another idiom that cautions against judging something by its appearance.