dob in
verb · casual
To tell someone in charge that another person did something wrong.
How Aussies use it
- Someone dobbed him in for parking in the boss's spot.
- I didn't want to dob in my workmate.
How to pronounce ‘dob in’
Say it like this: DOB in
‘dob in’ in a conversation
Liam: Who told Mum I ate the last biscuit?
Ella: Not me! I'd never dob you in.
Good to know
Kids say 'dobber' for someone who often tells the teacher. Adults use it too, sometimes for reporting a real problem.
Where you'll hear ‘dob in’
You'll hear 'dob in' at school, at work and in families, when someone tells a teacher, boss or parent about another person's mistake. Kids use it all the time. Adults also use it for reporting real problems to the council or the police.
How to reply or use it yourself
If a friend says 'Don't dob me in!', they're joking or asking you to keep a small secret. If something is serious or unsafe, it's right to report it, and you can say 'I had to tell someone.'
More examples
- My little brother dobbed me in for staying up late.
- Someone dobbed in the shop for selling out-of-date food.
- Nobody likes to be called a dobber at school.
A common mistake
The pattern is 'dob someone in' or 'dob in someone', not 'dob on someone'.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use report someone / tell on someone instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Fill the gap
Which word goes in the gap?
Please don't ___ me ___ for eating the last biscuit!
Show the answer
dob ... in
Quick check
What does ‘dob in’ mean?
- To tell someone in charge that another person did something wrong.
- A firefighter.
- A warm knitted top: a sweater or pullover.
Show the answer
A. To tell someone in charge that another person did something wrong.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'dob in' mean in Australia?
To tell someone in charge that another person did something wrong. Kids say 'dobber' for someone who often tells the teacher. Adults use it too, sometimes for reporting a real problem.
Can I say 'dob in' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'dob in' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'dob in'?
Say it like this: DOB in. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.
When do Australians say 'dob in'?
You'll hear 'dob in' at school, at work and in families, when someone tells a teacher, boss or parent about another person's mistake. Kids use it all the time. Adults also use it for reporting real problems to the council or the police.