# time will tell

idiom

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

## Meaning

Events and outcomes cannot be known beforehand.

## Examples

- Time will tell if this new plan works.
- We are not sure if the new manager will succeed, but time will tell.
- Whether these ambitious reforms will truly improve the economy remains uncertain, as only time will tell.

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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.