ˈblæb.ə(ɹ)ˌmaʊθ ɹəˈviːlɪŋ ˈtætl̩ɚ ˈtætl̩ə ˈtɛlteɪl ˈtɛlteɪl disclosing unintentionally something concealed a telling smile a telltale panel of lights a telltale patch of oil on the water marked where the boat went down someone who gossips indiscreetly