telltale footprint
1
6.1
- noun
- The detectives noticed a telltale footprint near the broken window, which confirmed their suspicions.
Examples
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After the snowstorm, a telltale footprint appeared on the otherwise untouched path.
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A single telltale footprint in the mud was all they needed to prove someone had been there.
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The detective found a telltale footprint near the crime scene.
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Look at that telltale footprint in the mud!
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The detective examined the telltale footprint left in the mud to find out who had entered the house.
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After the storm, she discovered a telltale footprint on the beach that matched her friend's shoes.
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The police found a telltale footprint near the crime scene, indicating that the suspect had recently been there.
Synonyms
498
3.3
A small sign that something was there
216
3.5
A set of clues that help solve a problem or a crime
33
2.9
A clear sign that shows a person's style or influence
25
4.5
A lasting sign that someone or something was once present and had an effect
19
4.4
A lasting change left by an event or person
1
4.2
A sign that shows something hidden has happened
1
5.4
Marks left by feet that show someone was at a place
1
4.1
A lasting sign someone leaves that shows their influence
How Revealing
Surface Forms
Morphology
The adjective 'telltale' (showing something hidden or previously occurred) directly modifies 'footprint' (an impression made by a foot), yielding the straightforward meaning 'a footprint that reveals evidence of someone's presence or actions.' This is a regular adjective + noun composition and would be immediately understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words.
Etymology
Telltale footprint paints a simple picture: a clear footprint in mud or snow that 'tells' who has been there. So, a telltale footprint is a small sign that gives 'evidence' of someone's presence or actions.