A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

speak about something • speak of something •
speak on something
speak about something —talk about smth.; discuss smth.: We
don’t speak about that unfortunate period in our family his-
tory. Cf.: speaking about something —(also: speaking of some-
thing ) used to introduce once again the subject that has just been
mentioned: The weather affects how we think, move, and feel.
Speaking about the weather I have to say, that our natural
conditions are very similar to yours.
speak of something —
1
. = speak about something: The colonel
very rarely spoke of his war experiences. 2. (of things or actions)
give proof in favor of smth.; be evidence of smth. (also: speak
for something ): This gift of money speaks of your generosity.
speak on something —speak at greater length on a subject;
deliver a talk about smth.: I’ve been asked to speak on the
future of education for very young children.
speak against someone • tell against someone
speak against someone —say bad things about smb.; give a
speech against a person: Those who spoke against me had
never met me. They had never read a word I had written.
tell against someone —said of smth. such as age, etc. that
prevents a person from being successful: There may be many
minor evil habits that he should rid himself of— habits that
will tell against him.
Note:
a) The expression does not correlate in meaning with
the phrase inform against someone— give evidence against a
person to the police, etc.: Their property was confiscated by the
state or turned over to those who informed against them.
b) The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase
tell on someone
—
1
. have an effect on a person’s health: If there’s
something on your mind, it will soon tell on you, so whether
you’re depressed, or just plain stressed, seek medical help. 2.
(used especially by children) tell about a person who has done
smth. wrong (in order to get him into trouble): Should he try to
some times
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convince his friends that what they were doing was wrong, or
tell on his friends which may cost him their friendship?