tell tales out of school: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tell tales out of school’ mean?
The idiom "tell tales out of school" means to reveal or gossip about private or confidential information or secrets, especially ones that should not be shared publicly.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "to tell the truth" means being honest and sincere in one's statement or confession.
The idiom "tell you the truth" is a way to emphasize honesty in a statement, suggesting that the speaker is about to share their true thoughts or feelings on a matter. It signifies a candid and sincere expression.
The idiom "tell the truth" means to be honest and not lie or deceive. It is often used in the context of revealing or sharing accurate information or facts without any distortion.
The idiom "tell tales" means to reveal or disclose secret information or to give away confidential or incriminating details about someone or something.
The idiom "tell tales" has a long history and is used in various contexts. It is commonly used to describe someone who spreads gossip or shares information that may not be accurate or reliable.
The idiom "tell it to the marines" means don't expect me to believe a ridiculous story or lie. It implies that only someone naive or gullible, like a new recruit in the marines, would believe such a tale.
The idiom "tell it to the judge" means to present your case or argument to the person in authority who has the power to make a decision or pass judgment on it.
The idiom "tell fortunes" means to predict someone's future - often by using supernatural methods or reading signs. It is used figuratively to describe any attempt to predict what will happen.
The idiom "tell apart" means to distinguish or recognize the difference between two or more similar things or people.
The idiom "tell against" means to work or speak in a way that is unfavorable or damaging to someone or something.
The idiom "tell against" is an expression commonly used in the English language. It can be found in various literary works and documents, although the exact origin of the idiom is unclear. The meaning of "tell against" is to work or act unfavorably or to the disadvantage of someone or something.
Unmasking Betrayal
The idiom "tell tales out of school" reveals secret or confidential information to unauthorized individuals. It has different interpretations and origins, but it has endured over centuries as an expression. One theory suggests that it originated from the old practice in England where teachers urged students not to share classroom secrets or misbehavior with their parents. This created trust and confidentiality within the school environment, and breaking this trust resulted in "telling tales out of school."
Another possible origin of the idiom is related to boarding schools, where students lived away from their families. In this context, "telling tales out of school" could refer to sharing personal or scandalous stories about fellow classmates with people outside the school. This violated the unspoken code of privacy within these institutions.
In a broader sense, the idiom can also describe anyone who shares unauthorized information or gossip. It suggests a breach of trust, violation of confidentiality, or the spreading of sensitive information to an improper or wider audience.
While the origins remain uncertain, the idiom's usage and meaning have evolved over time. It is no longer limited to educational contexts; instead, it is used in various situations, such as discussing workplace secrets, personal relationships, or confidential matters in a broader sense.
"Tell tales" and "tell all" are related idioms that further emphasize the idea of revealing information. When someone "tells tales," they share stories or gossip, often with the intent to inform or entertain. In the context of "tell tales out of school," this could refer to someone revealing secret or confidential information in the form of stories or gossip.
"Tell all" implies complete disclosure, sharing every detail or piece of information. This idiom aligns with the idea of "tell tales out of school" as it suggests revealing everything, including secret or confidential information.
Considering these related idioms, "tell tales out of school" continues to capture the timeless essence of revealing secret or confidential information to unauthorized individuals. Although the exact origins may be uncertain, the idiom's usage and meaning still resonate in contemporary American English, reminding us of the importance of trust and confidentiality in our interactions.
With its rich history and diverse interpretations, this idiom invites further exploration into the complexities of human communication and the delicate balance between sharing and withholding information.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom tell tales out of school can be used in a sentence:
- She got in trouble for telling tales out of school about her co-workers.
- He was warned not to tell tales out of school about the company's confidential information.
- The students were known for telling tales out of school to their friends about the teachers.
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