Telltale/ˈtelteɪl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Hints Used to describe signs that might be overlooked but are meaningful once noticed. Her hesitant voice was a telltale of her uncertainty. Pro Tip 2/3Implying Evidence Suggests solid evidence without direct accusation or confirmation. The muddy footsteps were the telltale signs of the dog sneaking in. Pro Tip 3/3Invisible Threads Implies connections between events or actions not immediately obvious. Multiple complaints were the telltale threads of a larger issue.