Meaning of does Macy's tell Gimbel's | Babel Free

Definitions

A rhetorical question with the implied answer being that competitors do not share business secrets with one another.

US, colloquial, dated, rhetoric

Examples

“The "Does Macy's tell Gimbel's?" gag has been a standard one in New York for many years. It was somewhat shattered last night at the Copacabana, when two young couples were seated at a ringside table and conversed at great length...."Well, Macy's may not tell Gimbel's," said one of the young men, "But Bloomingdale's does."”

“In other words the older circuit will give the Johnny-come-lately as little help and comfort as it can. After all, does Macy's tell Gimbel's?”

“...As a lesson in merchandising, not only store products, but good-will, this "Miracle on 34th Street" is a dandy. Does Macy's tell Gimbel's? It should!”

“Col. Hogan (to Col. Klink) Does Macy tell Gimbel?”

CEFR level