to focus on

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZm9jdXMgb24&hash=7101b4b2b658df8052ee09d79f2efb3e60f61791&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gZm9jdXMgb24&hash=8f7716b134b5573c219b5132c2b0b053a81e0f8c&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to inform on

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaW5mb3JtIG9u&hash=8656e99d26f9a9404348d7f44e82ec1456ab2067&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaW5mb3JtIG9u&hash=8e93391f9722551b8957293e228d8f2e0db996e3&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to insist on

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https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gaW5zaXN0IG9u&hash=f9afc8c59b8a9162880495310d02f11f2ce66a7e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to let on

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gbGV0IG9u&hash=42ade3898106d3e7305c91526e6796d13786f25f&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gbGV0IG9u&hash=222a37e13a78e167b485b1eef90deae33efebf46&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

The idiom "tell on" is derived from the literal meaning of the words. To "tell on" someone means to report their actions or misdeeds to an authority figure or someone in a position of control or responsibility. Its origin is likely rooted in the natural human tendency to inform others about wrongdoing or suspicious behavior, particularly when it affects one's well-being or interests. It is frequently used in the context of children reporting on their peers or siblings, but it can apply to people of all ages.

What is the origin of the idiom "tell on" and when to use it?

to tell on

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https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gdGVsbCBvbg&hash=aed8bf7f2e079e5dfe3e4fef62565f20b24b9fc6&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to look on

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https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gbG9vayBvbg&hash=6df7739e1cc24c81ad338d215e207112eefa2a79&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to spy on

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https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gc3B5IG9u&hash=e5401be729dcaeb69ab0cabe1636fe15a1f1e29a&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

to work on

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gd29yayBvbg&hash=1cfcb901c361b146c05a3b4f12cc4bb14f22352b&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts

https://tts.langeek.co/read?text=dG8gd29yayBvbg&hash=242defd86ef089496a7d1f98b091b3ebf518664e&lang=en&cache-only=0&driver=googletts&accent=GB

Learn phrasal verbs with on related to striving toward goals, taking risks, pursuing opportunities, revealing information, and exposing facts or intentions.

Esforçando-se, arriscando ou revelando (sobre)

Phrasal Verbs com On para Esforço, Risco e Revelação

Striving, Risking, or Revealing (On)

Phrasal Verbs With On for Effort, Risk, and Revelation