1 A2 idiomatic informal
To speak angrily to someone because they have done something wrong; to scold.
"The teacher told him off in front of the whole class for talking during the exam."
separable
tell off
A2 informal separable transitive
To reprimand or scold someone sharply for doing something wrong.
In plain English
When someone in charge tells you that you did something bad and is not happy about it.
What does "tell off" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Usage tip
Very common in British English. Often used when a teacher, parent, or boss reprimands someone. The tone is informal; formal equivalents include 'reprimand' or 'admonish'.
Words that pair with "tell off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
teacher boss parent student child behaviour
How to conjugate "tell off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tell off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tells off
he/she/it
Past simple
told off
yesterday
Past participle
told off
have + pp
-ing form
telling off
continuous
Hear "tell off" in the wild
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Other ways to say "tell off"
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