[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/telltale/)

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# telltale

adjective (telltale; also tell-tale); noun (a telltale, telltales)

«telltale» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. A telltale sign is a small clue that shows something is true or has happened: telltale crumbs on his face. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/telltale/#m1)
2. (UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ; children's word) A telltale (or tell-tale) is a child who tells adults about other children's naughty behaviour, a tattletale (US). [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/telltale/#m2)

### In the lessons

Stories and detective work: telltale signs and clues help solve a mystery. Science: «telltale signs» of a disease, or of rain. Playground: «Telltale tit!» is a rhyme children use to tease. Safety: telling a grown-up when someone is hurt, in danger or bullied is not being a telltale — it is the right thing to do.

### Examples

- The chocolate on his chin was a telltale sign. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/telltale/#x1)
- Muddy paw prints were the telltale clues. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/telltale/#x2)
- Don't be a telltale! [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/telltale/#x3)
- Telling a teacher about bullying is not being a telltale. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/telltale/#x4)
- Yawning is a telltale sign you need sleep. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/telltale/#x5)
- The telltale smoke showed where the fire was. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/telltale/#x6)

### Note

Spelling: telltale or tell-tale (UK often hyphenated). US word for the person: tattletale. «Tell tales» (two words) = to tell on someone, or to tell lies. Getting help in danger is never «telling tales».

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «telltale» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/T/telltale/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«telltale» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/telltale.html) on Mova free.