noun

telltale

TEHL-tayl

noun

Something that gives away or reveals a fact, often one meant to stay hidden.

"The telltale smell of smoke gave away where he'd been hiding."

A warning light or indicator that signals a problem.

"The dashboard telltale lit up as soon as the oil ran low."

adj

Revealing something that was meant to be concealed.

"She noticed the telltale crumbs on his shirt."

How to Use Telltale

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething (a sign, mark, or light) that gives away a secret or warns of a problem.

Common pairings

telltale sign telltale light

more telltale comparative, telltales plural, most telltale superlative

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Can you complete this real example?

The _____ smell of smoke gave away where he'd been hiding.

From tell plus tale, likely reshaped from an earlier form of "tale-teller."

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