tell against

Verb

 * 1)  To function as a liability (for someone); to put into a condition of disadvantage.
 * 2) * 2003 June 23, First Chapter: Auto da Fay by Fay Weldon, New York Times:
 * [H]ard as he worked, his age was beginning to tell against him.
 * 1)  To serve as evidence which casts doubt upon.
 * 2) * 2002 Oct. 1, John Grimshaw, Clue Challenge: BOLE, The Times (UK):
 * [T]he comma tells against this reading.
 * 1) * 2002 Oct. 1, John Grimshaw, Clue Challenge: BOLE, The Times (UK):
 * [T]he comma tells against this reading.
 * 1) * 2002 Oct. 1, John Grimshaw, Clue Challenge: BOLE, The Times (UK):
 * [T]he comma tells against this reading.

Synonyms

 * (verb)