(only) time will tell
idiom
—used to say that the results of a situation will be known only after a certain amount of time has passed
"Will he be OK?" "I don't know. Only time will tell."
Examples of (only) time will tell in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Only time will tell, but this performance was certainly a step in that direction.
—
Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Aug. 2025
Though all but one of the original wonders are gone, time will tell what lasting impacts the AI Wonders will have on our civilization.
—Dean Debiase, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Only time will tell if the MDC is able to uphold its agreement outlined in the consent order.
—Justin Doughty, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Only time will tell if the Commanders will actually open to trading McLaurin.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
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Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Aug. 2025
Though all but one of the original wonders are gone, time will tell what lasting impacts the AI Wonders will have on our civilization.
—Dean Debiase, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Only time will tell if the MDC is able to uphold its agreement outlined in the consent order.
—Justin Doughty, Hartford Courant, 19 July 2025
Only time will tell if the Commanders will actually open to trading McLaurin.
—Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for (only) time will tell
Cite this Entry
“(only) time will tell.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/%28only%29%20time%20will%20tell. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.
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