English Reference
Idiom idiom

time alone will tell


Alternative form of time will tell.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

“Time alone will tell if this new car is reliable.”

CONTEXTUAL

“We just started the new business, but time alone will tell if we made the right choice.”

COMPLEX

“Although the diplomat remains optimistic about the peace treaty, time alone will tell whether the agreement can truly endure.”


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little bird told me

    I received the information from a source which I am not prepared to disclose.

  2. 02

    a week is a long time in politics

    In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.

  3. 03

    about time

    Far past the desired time.

  4. 04

    all told

    With everything included, counted, or summed; in total.

  5. 05

    any time now

    Very soon.

  6. 06

    any time soon

    soon

  7. 07

    better luck next time

    Used to wish somebody hope in future success after a failure.

  8. 08

    bide one's time

    To wait, especially for a suitable opportunity.

Last updated August 10, 2026