tell against

Language: en

Meaning: (transitive,idiomatic)To function as aliability(for someone); to put into a condition ofdisadvantage.1871,Harriet Beecher Stowe, chapter 27, inPink and White Tyranny:[S]ome people . . . have been so short-sighted and reckless as to clamor for an easy dissolution of the marriage-contract. . . . Is it possible that they do not see that this is a liberty which, once granted, would alwaystell againstthe weaker sex?1903,Samuel Butler, chapter 34, inThe Way of All Flesh:Ernest's want of muscular strength did nottell againsthim here.2003June 23,First Chapter:Auto da FaybyFay Weldon,New York Times:[H]ard as he worked, his age was beginning totell againsthim.; (transitive,idiomatic)To serve asevidencewhichcastsdoubtupon.1892,George Gissing, chapter 2, inBorn In Exile:She knew he was disposed to catch at anything that seemed totell againstGodwin's claims.1905,Arthur Conan Doyle, “The Adventure of the Six Napoleons,”, inThe Return of Sherlock Holmes:"Such a fact musttell againstthe theory."2002Oct. 1, John Grimshaw,Clue Challenge: BOLE,The Times(UK):[T]he commatells againstthis reading.

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