Angličtina

telltale

gb/tˈɛltˌeɪl/ us/tˈɛltˌeɪl/
B2 Angličtina
Významy
0 významů
adjective B2 property
1

revealing something hidden

If something is telltale, it clearly shows that something else is true.

Vzorec užití: telltale + [sign/mark/smile/sound/trace]
Častá chyba:
Learners may confuse telltale (revealing) with truthful (honest).
Synonyma
revealing (General synonym; less vivid than telltale.) | indicative (More formal; often used in technical or analytical contexts.) | unmistakable (Stronger; emphasizes clarity rather than the act of giving something away.)
Antonyma
inconclusive (Does not clearly show what is true.) | misleading (Gives a false impression rather than revealing the truth.)
Kolokace
telltale sign |telltale marks |telltale evidence |telltale symptoms |a telltale smile |a telltale pause |telltale bruises |telltale traces |telltale smell |telltale sound
Témata
communication |observation |emotions
Příklady
  • The telltale smell of smoke clung to his jacket.
  • A telltale hesitation in her voice suggested she wasn’t being honest.
  • The detective noticed telltale scratches around the lock.
Učební příklady
  • His telltale smile showed he knew the secret.
  • These are telltale signs of stress.
Podstatné jméno C1 entity
2

a sign that reveals something

A telltale is something that shows a hidden fact.

Vzorec užití: a telltale (of [something])
Častá chyba:
Often used as an adjective (telltale sign) rather than as a standalone noun.
Synonyma
clue (Common and broad; does not necessarily imply something was unintentionally revealed.) | indicator (Neutral and often used in measured or analytical contexts.) | giveaway (More informal; emphasizes unintended revelation.)
Antonyma
red herring (A misleading sign that points in the wrong direction.)
Kolokace
a telltale of deception |a telltale of illness |a telltale for trouble |the telltale was obvious |spot a telltale
Témata
observation |communication
Příklady
  • The muddy footprints were a telltale that someone had been in the house.
  • A sudden change in tone can be a telltale of irritation.
  • The empty bottle was the telltale the manager needed.
Učební příklady
  • The noise was a telltale that someone was there.
Podstatné jméno technical C1 entity
3

dashboard warning light

A telltale is a small light that warns you about a vehicle problem.

Vzorec užití: [system] telltale (light)
Častá chyba:
In everyday speech people usually say 'warning light' rather than 'telltale'.
Synonyma
warning light (More common in everyday English.) | indicator light (Neutral; focuses on showing status, not only warnings.)
Antonyma
blank display (No light or indication is shown.)
Kolokace
warning telltale |indicator telltale |ABS telltale |engine telltale |oil-pressure telltale |charge telltale |brake telltale |airbag telltale |illumination of the telltale |the telltale comes on
Témata
transport |technology
Příklady
  • The red oil-pressure telltale came on as she accelerated.
  • If the airbag telltale stays lit, have the system checked.
  • A flashing telltale can indicate a serious fault.
Učební příklady
  • A warning telltale lit up on the dashboard.
Podstatné jméno informal C1 role
4

person who informs on others

A telltale is someone who tells on other people.

Vzorec užití: a telltale
Častá chyba:
Often confused with the verb phrase 'tell a tale' (tell a story), which is different.
Synonyma
tattletale (Especially common in American English and with children.) | snitch (Stronger and more negative; often used for reporting to authorities.) | informer (More neutral/formal; often implies providing information to police.)
Antonyma
confidant (Someone trusted to keep secrets, not reveal them.) | ally (Someone who supports you rather than betraying you.)
Kolokace
a sneaky telltale |a schoolyard telltale |call someone a telltale |don't be a telltale
Témata
people |social_relationships |conflict
Příklady
  • No one trusted him because he was known as a telltale.
  • She got angry and called her brother a telltale for reporting her.
  • In the playground, being a telltale could get you into trouble.
Učební příklady
  • He is a telltale and tells the teacher everything.
Podstatné jméno technical C2 entity
5

streamer showing airflow direction

A telltale is a small strip on a sail that shows wind flow.

Vzorec užití: telltale(s) on [a sail]
Častá chyba:
Not related to 'telling stories'; it is a sailing tool.
Synonyma
streamer (General word; does not specifically imply sailing function.)
Antonyma
windbreak (Blocks wind rather than showing its flow.)
Kolokace
wind telltale |sail telltales |masthead telltale |watch the telltales |telltales streaming |telltales drooping |trim by the telltales
Témata
sports |transport
Příklady
  • Watch the telltales on the jib and ease the sheet if they start to stall.
  • The telltales were streaming straight back, so the trim looked good.
  • He added a masthead telltale to help judge wind direction.
Podstatné jméno technical C2 entity
6

leak indicator in equipment

A telltale can be a small opening that shows a leak.

Vzorec užití: telltale hole/port
Častá chyba:
This is specialized usage and may be unfamiliar outside maintenance contexts.
Synonyma
weep hole (Common technical term for a hole that lets leaking fluid escape visibly.) | indicator port (More general; emphasizes the function of indicating a condition.)
Antonyma
sealed joint (Designed to prevent visible leakage or indication.)
Kolokace
telltale hole |telltale port |telltale drain |leak from the telltale |fluid at the telltale
Témata
technology |maintenance
Příklady
  • Coolant dripping from the telltale hole suggests the seal is failing.
  • If you see oil at the telltale, stop the machine and inspect it.
  • The manual says to check the telltale port during routine maintenance.
Gramatika
Slovníkový tvar
telltale
IPA
GB/tˈɛltˌeɪl/
US/tˈɛltˌeɪl/
Slabiky a přízvuk
tell - tale (2 slabiky)
Stress on 1st syllable (tell)
Tvary slova
Adjective
  • Base: telltale
Noun
  • Base: telltale
  • Plural: telltales
Výrazy

a telltale sign (of [something])

1
/ə tˈɛltˌeɪl sˈaɪn əv sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase

clear evidence of something

A telltale sign is something that clearly shows something is true.

Příklady
  • Dark circles under the eyes can be a telltale sign of exhaustion.
  • A sudden drop in sales is often a telltale sign of a larger problem.
  • That cough is a telltale sign of the flu going around.

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