Perhaps you're thinking of a specific idiom that includes "tell" or "someone". Could you please provide more context or a specific phrase you have in mind?
For example:
* "Tell someone off" means to scold or reprimand someone angrily.
* "Tell someone a story" means to narrate a tale to someone.
* "Tell someone what's what" means to give someone a firm and direct explanation of the situation.
Let me know what phrase you're thinking of, and I'll be happy to explain its meaning!