The phrase "tells tales" can be replaced with several synonyms depending on the context. The most common one is "gossips," which means to discuss someone's private affairs and spread rumors. Another synonym is "fabricates," which refers to inventing stories or exaggerating facts. "Exposes" can be used if someone tells the truth about someone else's wrongdoing. "Taunts" can also be used if someone is telling lies to mock or provoke another person. Lastly, "discloses" can be used to refer to revealing confidential information. It's always important to choose the right synonym that accurately describes the situation to avoid miscommunication.