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
Idioms Using tells
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.
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 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
Example
He told a lie about his age.
Example
You have to tell the truth in court.
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.
