# time alone will tell

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/time-alone-will-tell
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Alternative form of time will tell.

## Examples

- Time alone will tell if this new car is reliable.
- We just started the new business, but time alone will tell if we made the right choice.
- Although the diplomat remains optimistic about the peace treaty, time alone will tell whether the agreement can truly endure.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.