tell against

idiomatic transitive

(transitive, idiomatic) To function as a liability (for someone); to put into a condition of disadvantage. / (transitive, idiomatic) To serve as evidence which casts doubt upon.

Japanese Meaning

～にとって不利になる、または不利な状態にする / 疑いを招く証拠として作用する

What is this buttons?

His prior arrests may tell against him during the trial.

Google Translation / DeepL Translation

彼の以前の逮捕歴は裁判で彼に不利に働くかもしれない。

Details

Sense（1）

(transitive, idiomatic) To function as a liability (for someone); to put into a condition of disadvantage.

[S]ome people . . . have been so short-sighted and reckless as to clamor for an easy dissolution of the marriage-contract. . . . Is it possible that they do not see that this is a liberty which, once granted, would always tell against the weaker sex?

Google Translation / DeepL Translation