# tell against

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/tell-against
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To function as a liability (for someone); to put into a condition of disadvantage.

## Examples

- Your lack of experience will tell against you in this interview.
- The candidate's history of missed deadlines will likely tell against him when the manager decides who to promote.
- While his impressive academic record was a strength, his inability to work well within a team told against him during the final selection process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.