RATTING ON Meaning and
Definition
-
Ratting on is an idiomatic phrasal verb that refers to the act of betraying or reporting someone, typically to an authority figure, with the intention of causing harm or revealing wrongdoing. The term can also be used to describe someone who informs or tips off authorities about illegal or unethical activities happening within a group or community.
This expression is widely used in informal and colloquial language, particularly in American English, to describe the act of providing information or evidence against someone to gain a personal advantage or to avoid personal consequences. The term "ratting" alludes to the behavior of a rat, which is often associated with deceit and treachery.
For instance, if an individual observes their colleague engaging in illicit activities at work and decides to inform their boss, they can be said to be "ratting on" their coworker. Similarly, if a group of friends plans to break a rule or engages in wrongdoing, and one member reports the group's actions to the authorities, they can be accused of "ratting on" their friends.
In summary, ratting on typically refers to the act of betraying someone's trust, revealing their secrets, or exposing their illicit actions to an authority figure, often done with the intention of seeking personal gain or avoiding personal consequences.
Common Misspellings for RATTING ON
Etymology of RATTING ON
The phrase "ratting on" is derived from the word "rat", which refers to a small rodent known for being cunning and sneaky. In the context of the word "ratting on", it means to inform or betray someone by revealing their secrets or wrongdoings to an authority figure or someone else in a position of power. The use of "rat" suggests the act of turning someone in, similar to how a rat might betray other rats or hide in the shadows to observe and report on their actions.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
