1 B1 idiomatic informal
To tell an authority figure about someone's wrongdoing; to inform on someone. (Australian/NZ)
"He dobbed on his teammate for missing training, and the coach was furious."
inseparable
dob on
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To report someone to an authority figure for misbehaviour; to inform on someone. (Australian/NZ English)
In plain English
To tell someone in charge that another person did something wrong.
What does "dob on" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Essentially synonymous with 'dob in'. Both are Australian/NZ informal terms. 'Dob on' emphasizes the person being reported: 'she dobbed on him'. Carries a negative social connotation — being a 'dobber' is frowned upon.
Words that pair with "dob on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
classmate friend colleague brother cheater
How to conjugate "dob on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
dob on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
dobs on
he/she/it
Past simple
dobed on
yesterday
Past participle
dobed on
have + pp
-ing form
dobing on
continuous
Hear "dob on" in the wild
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Other ways to say "dob on"
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