Rat on Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹæt/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn
RAT-on
ɹˈæt/ /ˈɒn
RAT-on
Definition
To tell someone in authority about another person's wrongdoing or secrets, often betraying their trust.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and slangy, often negative; implies betrayal or being a 'snitch.' Common with 'on someone' (e.g., 'rat on your friend'). Not used for reporting serious crimes officially.
Spanish: delatar - denunciar - soplonearPortuguese (BR): dedurar - delatarPortuguese (PT): bufar - delatarChinese (Simplified): 告发 - 告密Chinese (Traditional): 告密 - 告發Hindi: चुगली करना - रिपोर्ट करनाArabic: يفشي (الأسرار) - يوشيBengali: চোগলখোরি করা - খবর দেওয়া (বিশ্বাসঘাতকতা) - গুপ্তচরী করাRussian: стукачить - настучать (на кого-то)Japanese: チクるVietnamese: mách lẻo - chỉ điểm - tố cáo (không chính thức)Korean: 고자질하다 - 밀고하다Turkish: ispiyonlamak - gammazlamakUrdu: چغلی کھانا - مخبری کرناIndonesian: mengadu - melaporkan (secara tidak resmi)
Example Sentences
Don't rat on your brother to your parents.
basic
He promised not to rat on his classmates.
basic
If you rat on me, I won't forgive you.
basic
Nobody likes someone who always rats on their friends.
natural
She didn't want to rat on her coworker, even though she knew he was wrong.
natural
After he ratted on the group, no one trusted him anymore.
natural