# tell tales

idiom

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

## Meaning

To lie, to be making false claims.

## Examples

- Stop telling tales about what happened at school.
- The teacher warned the students that telling tales would only lead to more trouble for everyone involved.
- Despite his reputation for integrity, he was eventually caught telling tales to cover up his professional mistakes.

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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.