this post was submitted on 23 Dec 2023
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[–] Zeth0s@lemmy.world 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Thanks, but what is a telltale? Sorry I am very ignorant in these things

[–] princessnorah@lemmy.blahaj.zone 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)

It’s like a “sign that reveals something hidden”. It’s often said as “telltale signs”. For example, you might say “these are the telltale signs of alcoholism” if you went to someone’s house and there was a half empty bottle of whiskey on the counter at 9 in the morning.

[–] Zeth0s@lemmy.world 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)
[–] Peppycito@sh.itjust.works 6 points 1 year ago

A telltale comes from sailing. They're little bits of yarn attached to the sail. They let you see what the wind is doing. The wind being invisible, a telltale shows you what you can't normally see. In nonsailing use, a telltale is a small thing that shows you the whole truth.