(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 what is in store for these and other major studios as lasting effects of the pandemic, declining franchise support, streaming impact and more continue to evolve the face of entertainment. —Amanda Cioletti, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Experts said that travelers first need to know that Boeing planes largely remain safe, but only time will tell if the company’s C-suite shakeup results in real, positive change. —Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 25 Mar. 2024

Only time will tell how putting more money in the hands of women will impact the world. —Holly Corbett, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Only time will tell what happens with the women in the cocktail party, and who will ultimately be eliminated in this week’s rose ceremony — which will be revealed tomorrow night as this week’s two-day Bachelor marathon continues. —Chyna Blackmon, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2024

Only time will tell, but tune in to The Masked Singer Wednesdays on Fox at 8 p.m. ET/PT to find out. Watch Hart's big reveal below. —Lauren Huff, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024

And only time will tell the long-term effect Ms. Godrèche’s comments at the César Awards had. —Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 26 Feb. 2024

Single and ready to mingle, she is drawn to Alex but only time will tell how their relationship will go. —Shelby Stewart, Essence, 21 Feb. 2024

The hour for such considerations is already growing short in many states — seven states' candidate filing deadlines will have passed by Dec. 20 — but time will tell just how many more add their names to this cycle's retirement ledger. —Geoffrey Skelley, ABC News, 20 Dec. 2023